atrophy

• 名词，指身体某部分、组织或器官逐渐萎缩、体积缩小或功能衰退，常由疾病、废用或营养不良引起。

A noun referring to the gradual wasting away or decrease in size of a body part, tissue, or organ, often due to disease, disuse, or lack of nourishment.

不可数

1. Medical conditionC1formalmedical

   The gradual wasting away or decrease in size of a body part, tissue, or organ, often due to disease, disuse, or lack of nourishment.

   萎缩

   • Muscular atrophy can occur if a limb is immobilized for a long period.
   • The patient suffered from spinal muscular atrophy.
   • Physical therapy helps prevent muscle atrophy after surgery.

   同义词cachexiadegenerationemaciationwastingwasting awaywithering

   反义词developmentgrowthhypertrophy

2. General declineC1formal

   A gradual decline in effectiveness, vitality, or strength due to neglect or lack of use.

   衰退

   • The atrophy of the local economy was caused by the closure of the factory.
   • There has been a cultural atrophy in the region over the last decade.
   • The organization experienced an atrophy of its core values.

   同义词decaydeclinedegenerationdeteriorationwastingweakeningwithering

   反义词developmentflourishinggrowthrevivalstrengthening

• 动词，指因缺乏使用、营养或刺激而逐渐萎缩、衰退或恶化，常用于身体组织、能力或事物。

A verb used to indicate the process of wasting away, declining, or deteriorating, typically due to lack of use or nourishment.

1. Waste away (body)C1formalmedical

   To gradually decrease in size or strength, especially of a body part or tissue, due to lack of use or disease.

   萎缩

   • The muscles in his leg began to atrophy after months in a cast.
   • Without regular exercise, the body's muscles will atrophy over time.
   • The disease caused the nerves to atrophy, leading to paralysis.

   同义词decaydegeneratedwindleshrinkwasteweakenwither

   反义词developflourishgrowstrengthenthrive

2. Decline or weaken (abstract)C1formal

   To gradually become weaker, less effective, or less developed, especially of skills, abilities, or institutions.

   萎缩

   • Her language skills began to atrophy after she stopped practicing.
   • The company's innovative spirit atrophied under poor management.
   • Without intellectual stimulation, the mind can atrophy.

   同义词decaydeclinedegeneratedeterioratedwindlefadeflaglanguishwaneweakenwither

   反义词developflourishgrowstrengthenthrive