Present participle of atrophy; gradually wasting away or degenerating in size or function.
From 'atrophy' (Greek 'a-' without + 'trophe' nourishment) with present participle suffix '-ing'. This form emphasizes the ongoing process of tissue degeneration.
When you're injured and can't move a muscle for weeks, it's actively 'atrophying' the whole time—muscles need to be used or they literally shrink up and get weaker!
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