atrophy
Translation
to atrophy, to waste away, to decline
Examples
Muscles will atrophy if they are not used.
Muscles will atrophy if they are not used.
His artistic skills began to atrophy from lack of practice.
His artistic skills began to atrophy from lack of practice.
Grammar Patterns
((subject)) to waste away or decline The unused muscles began to atrophy.
Similar Words
Synonyms: waste away, wither, decline; Antonyms: strengthen, grow, develop
Etymology
From Greek 'a-' (not) + 'trophē' (nourishment). Literally means 'without nourishment'.
Memory Tips
Imagine a trophy you won, but you don't care for it, so it gathers dust and its importance atrophies.