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atrophy

at·ro·phy

atrophy

 
 
pronunciation:
ae tr fi
parts of speech:
noun, transitive verb, intransitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (noun, verb), Word Parts
part of speech: noun
inflections: atrophies
definition 1: a gradual wasting away of a body part, esp. from insufficient use or nourishment.
After your surgery, you will have to begin exercise to prevent atrophy of your muscles.
definition 2: any degeneration or wasting away.
He condemned what he sees as moral atrophy in our society.
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part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: atrophies, atrophying, atrophied
definition: to cause to waste away.
Disuse atrophied her arm.
antonyms:
strengthen
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition: to waste away.
After the accident, the muscles in her legs atrophied.
antonyms:
flourish, strengthen
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derivation: atrophic (adj.)
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