Emaciating

/ɪˈmeɪʃieɪtɪŋ/ adjective, verb

Definition

Causing extreme thinness or wasting; describing a process or condition that progressively weakens and thins someone.

Etymology

Present participle of 'emaciate,' from Latin 'emaciare,' describing the ongoing, progressive action of wasting away.

Kelly Says

Diseases like tuberculosis were historically called 'consumption' because they had an emaciating effect—patients visibly wasted away, and the disease literally consumed them from inside.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.