word | atrophy |
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definition | (1) Gradual loss of muscle or flesh, usually because of disease or lack of use. (2) A decline or degeneration. |
eg_sentence | After a month in a hospital bed, my father required a round of physical therapy to deal with his muscular atrophy. |
explanation | From its literal Greek roots, atrophy would mean basically “lack of nourishment.” Although the English word doesn't usually imply any lack of food, it always refers to a wasting away. Those who have been bedridden for a period of time will notice that their muscles have atrophied. And muscular atrophy is a frequent result of such diseases as cancer and AIDS. We also use atrophy in a much more general sense. After being out of work a few years, you may find your work skills have atrophied; someone who's been living an isolated life may discover the same thing about his or her social skills; and a democracy can atrophy when its citizens cease to pay attention to how they're being governed |
IPA | ˈætrəfi |
Tags: mwvb::unit:8, mwvb::unit:8:word, mwvb::word, mwvb::word-cloze, mwvb::word-reverse, obsidian_to_anki
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