Pathologic Function
atrophy Audio
at·ro·phy [ a-truh-fee ]
Subclass of:
Pathological Conditions, Anatomical
Etymology:
Greek a = without + trophe = nourishment
Used in pathology, medicine and neurology, with the meaning of wasting.
Definitions related to atrophic:
  • (atrophy) A decrease in size of organ, tissue or cell. (INHAND)
    CDISC Terminology
    Clinical Data Interchange Standards Consortium (CDISC), 2021
  • (atrophy) Any weakening or degeneration, especially through lack of use.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • (atrophy) Decrease in the size of a cell, tissue, organ, or multiple organs, associated with a variety of pathological conditions such as abnormal cellular changes, ischemia, malnutrition, or hormonal changes.
    CRISP Thesaurus
    National Institutes of Health, 2006
  • (atrophy) Wasting away of an organ or tissue due to undernourishment, disease, or aging.
    Harvard Dictionary of Health Terms
    Harvard Medical Publishing, 2011
  • Atrophy, decrease in size of a body part, cell, organ, or other tissue. The term implies that the atrophied part was of a size normal for the individual, considering age and circumstance, prior to the diminution. In atrophy of an organ or body part, there may be a reduction in the number or in the...
    Encyclopedia Britannica
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2025
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This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.