noun
dystrophy
DIS-truh-fee
Dystrophy (noun) means a wasting of body tissues, caused either by a genetic condition or by poor or faulty nutrition. Example: “The doctor explained that the dystrophy had weakened the muscles over several years.”
noun
1
medical A wasting of body tissues, caused either by a genetic condition or by poor or faulty nutrition.
"The doctor explained that the dystrophy had weakened the muscles over several years."
"Researchers are studying a genetic form of dystrophy."
"Poor nutrition over a long period can lead to dystrophy."
How to use dystrophy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA condition in which body tissue gradually wastes away.
When to use it
It is a medical term and is rarely used in casual conversation.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
muscular dystrophy
a form of dystrophy
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The doctor explained that the _____ had weakened the muscles over several years.
Etymology
The word joins the prefix dys-, meaning bad, to -trophy, so it literally means bad growth, the opposite of healthy growth.
Rhymes for dystrophy
See all rhymes for dystrophy →Frequently asked questions
What does dystrophy mean?
Dystrophy is a wasting of body tissues. It can have a genetic cause or come from poor nutrition.
Where does the word dystrophy come from?
It is built from dys- and -trophy and literally means bad growth.
What is the plural of dystrophy?
The plural is dystrophies. The word can also be used as an uncountable noun.
What is the meaning of dystrophy?
"dystrophy" (noun) means a wasting of body tissues, caused either by a genetic condition or by poor or faulty nutrition.
