atrophy

Pronunciation: US [ˈætrəfi] UK ['ætrəfɪ]

Definitions in English

n.	1. the shrinking in size of some part or organ of the body, usually caused by injury, disease, or lack of use 2. weakening or lessening of some ability 3. a medical condition in which a part of your body becomes weaker or smaller because you are not using it or because blood is not reaching it
v.	1. to weaken or waste away through disuse or the effects of disease 2. if an organization or practice atrophies or is atrophied, it becomes weaker and less effective 3. if a part of your body atrophies or is atrophied, it becomes weaker or smaller because you are not using it or because blood is not reaching it