Associations to the word «Atrophy»

Wiktionary

ATROPHY, noun. (pathology) A reduction in the functionality of an organ caused by disease, injury or lack of use.
ATROPHY, verb. (intransitive) To wither or waste away.
ATROPHY, verb. (transitive) To cause to waste away or become abortive; to starve or weaken.

Dictionary definition

ATROPHY, noun. A decrease in size of an organ caused by disease or disuse.
ATROPHY, noun. Any weakening or degeneration (especially through lack of use).
ATROPHY, verb. Undergo atrophy; "Muscles that are not used will atrophy".

Wise words

Language is a process of free creation; its laws and principles are fixed, but the manner in which the principles of generation are used is free and infinitely varied. Even the interpretation and use of words involves a process of free creation.
Noam Chomsky