atrophy
/ˈætrəfi/
noun
Origin
Ancient Greek
atrophia — want of nourishment
Overview
Meaning Now
- A wasting away or progressive decline in effectiveness or vigor of an organ, tissue, or body part, typically due to degeneration of cells.
- A gradual decline in effectiveness or vigor of an organization, system, or ability.
Literal older meaning
lack of nutrition/growth
Language path
Ancient Greek → Latin → French → English
Earliest form
atrophia
Earliest period
17th century
Journey
The term emerged in medical contexts to describe the physical wasting of limbs or organs. By the 19th century, it began to be used metaphorically to describe the degradation of social institutions or human capabilities.
Evolution
- Ancient Greek
atrophia
“wasting away”
- Latin
atrophia
“wasting disease”
- French
atrophie
“wasting”
- English
atrophy
“wasting away of the body”
Connections
Word parts
a-
prefix
not, without
trophē
root
nourishment
Related across languages
French
atrophie
atrophy
German
Atrophie
atrophy
Explore next
Related to atrophy
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.