Worn out or ruined because of age or neglect; in a very poor condition due to old age or deterioration. Feeble and infirm.
From Latin 'decrepitus,' literally meaning 'very old,' from 'de-' (intensive) + 'crepare' (to creak, rattle). The original sense was of something making creaking sounds from old age, like old wooden structures or arthritic joints. Entered English in the 15th century via French.
The word literally means 'very creaky,' which perfectly captures how old buildings, bones, and machinery announce their deterioration through sound! It's related to 'discrepancy' through the Latin root 'crepare,' showing how the concept of things not fitting together properly connects physical deterioration with logical inconsistencies.
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