atrophy Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a decrease in size of an organ caused by disease or disuse
    wasting; wasting away.
  2. noun any weakening or degeneration (especially through lack of use)
    withering.
  3. verb undergo atrophy
    • Muscles that are not used will atrophy

WordNet

At"ro*phy noun
Etymology
L. atrophia, Gr. priv. + to nourish: cf. F. atrophie.
Definitions
  1. A wasting away from want of nourishment; diminution in bulk or slow emaciation of the body or of any part. Milton.
At"ro*phy transitive verb
Wordforms
past participle Atrophied
Definitions
  1. To cause to waste away or become abortive; to starve or weaken.
At"ro*phy intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To waste away; to dwindle.

Webster 1913