Vocabulary in context
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Atrophy
To waste away or deteriorate in function, typically of tissue or organs; to lose size, vigor, or strength.
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Imagine This
Tom was sorry to see the trophies belonging to his grandparents wasting away and collecting dust in the attic.
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Sounds Like
AT-ruh-fee
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Looks Like
A trophy
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Remember This
In medical terms, atrophy refers to the shrinking or wasting away of tissue (such as muscle or brain tissue) due to disuse, aging, or disease.
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Other Forms
atrophynoun
atrophiesverb
atrophyingverb
atrophicadjective
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Connect With
Deteriorate, waste away, wither, degenerate, decline
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Note
Do not confuse with 'atrophy' used figuratively to mean a decline in efficiency; the word specifically refers to physical wasting away or degeneration of tissue.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- If a limb is immobilized for weeks, the muscles may atrophy.
- Muscle tissue will atrophy when it is not used regularly.
Synonyms
waste awaydeterioratewithershriveldegenerate
Antonyms
thrivedevelopflourishprosper
Etymology
From Greek a-, without + trophē, nourishment; originally meaning 'without nourishment' and later used in biology to describe wasting away of tissue.
Mnemonic
Think: A TROPHY that loses its shine and shrinks away as it is not nourished—the trophy is atrophying.
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Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
Absolve
verbTo free someone from blame or responsibility; to pardon or exonerate.
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