Amyotrophy

/eɪmaɪˈɑtrəfi/ noun

Definition

The wasting or degeneration of muscle tissue, particularly as a feature of neurological disease.

Etymology

From Greek 'amys' (muscle), 'a-' (without), and 'trophy' (growth/nourishment), a shortened form of amyotrophia used in medical terminology.

Kelly Says

Amyotrophy appears in medical terminology as an alternative to amyotrophia, showing how the same Greek roots get recycled in different forms—doctors might say 'progressive amyotrophy' just as easily as 'progressive amyotrophia.'

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