atrophy Meaning & Definition
What Does Atrophy Mean?
Atrophy is used as a noun meaning A reduction in the functionality of an organ caused by disease, injury or lack of use. As a verb, it means To wither or waste away.
Atrophy at a Glance
| Part of speech | noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //ˈæt.ɹə.fi// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | withering, wasting and wasting away |
| Antonyms | hypertrophy and strengthen |
| Plural | atrophies |
| Verb forms | atrophies, atrophying, atrophied |
Atrophy Definition (Noun)
- A reduction in the functionality of an organ caused by disease, injury or lack of use.
Atrophy as a Verb
- To wither or waste away.
- To cause to waste away or become abortive; to starve or weaken.
Synonyms of Atrophy
Atrophy synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Atrophy
Atrophy in a Sentence
No example sentences are available for this entry.
Word Forms & Grammar
atrophy (countable and uncountable, plural atrophies)
atrophy (third-person singular simple present atrophies, present participle atrophying, simple past and past participle atrophied)
Origin of Atrophy
Borrowed from French atrophie, from Latin atrophia, from Ancient Greek ἀτροφία (atrophía, “a wasting away”), from ἄτροφος (átrophos, “ill-fed, un-nourished”), from ἀ- (a-, “not”) + τροφή (trophḗ, “nourishment”), from τρέφω (tréphō, “to fatten”). Equivalent to a- + -trophy.
How Do You Say Atrophy?
The standard pronunciation of atrophy is //ˈæt.ɹə.fi//, spoken in 1 syllable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Atrophy
Is atrophy a noun or a verb?
Atrophy is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.
What is another word for atrophy?
You can replace atrophy with words such as withering, wasting and wasting away. See the full list of atrophy synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of atrophy?
Words opposite in meaning to atrophy are hypertrophy and strengthen.
What is the plural of atrophy?
The plural of atrophy is atrophies.
What is the past tense of atrophy?
The past tense of atrophy is atrophied. The present participle is atrophying.