Atrophy
/ˈætrəfi/noun
The wasting away or decrease in size of a body part or tissue.
Did you know?In ancient medicine, atrophy was often believed to be caused by the withdrawal of vital energy, linking it to the occult idea of life force manipulation.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*trep-
“to turn or change, suggesting a transformative process.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀτροφία (atrophía)
“lack of nourishment, indicating a state of physical deterioration.”
Latin
Latin
atrophia
“wasting away, associated with the absence of growth.”
Medieval Latin
Medieval Latin
atrophia
“the condition of being wasted, often linked to illness or debility.”
Modern English
English
atrophy
“the gradual decline in effectiveness or vigor due to underuse or neglect.”