dystrophy

[ dis-truh-fee ]

noun

1. Medicine/Medical. faulty or inadequate nutrition or development.
2. Pathology. any of a number of disorders characterized by weakening, degeneration, or abnormal development of muscle.
3. Ecology. the state of being dystrophic.

dystrophy

/ dɪsˈtrɒfɪk; ˈdɪstrəfɪ; dɪˈstrəʊfɪə /

noun

1. any of various bodily disorders, characterized by wasting of tissues See also muscular dystrophy
2. ecology a condition of lake water when it is too acidic and poor in oxygen to support life, resulting from excessive humus content

Derived Forms

• dystrophic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dystrophy¹

From the New Latin word dystrophia, dating back to 1885–90. See dys-, -trophy

Word History and Origins

Origin of dystrophy¹

C19: New Latin dystrophia, from dys- + Greek trophē food

Example Sentences

New therapies on the horizon using CRISPR-based genome editing could be used to treat these often debilitating conditions, including muscular dystrophy.

From Popular-Science

There are many types of muscular dystrophy, since the term refers to any condition that causes muscle weakness by preventing proper muscle formation or function.

From Popular-Science

We may soon see cures for rare diseases like sickle cell disease, muscular dystrophy, and progeria, a rare and progressive genetic disorder that causes children to age rapidly.

From Singularity Hub 

One door down in Unit 702, Ana Ortiz, her husband, Frankie Kleiman, and her son Luis Bermudez, who had muscular dystrophy, were making plans to attend a funeral Thursday for a family friend who died of covid-19, according to the Associated Press.

From Washington Post

The doctors recorded “maceration, pale skin, and swelling in the feet,” and diagnosed him with “dystrophy from prolonged malnutrition.”

From Nautilus

Turns out, the drug may help sufferers of a rare and deadly form of muscular dystrophy.

From The Daily Beast

For instance, Leah, whose daughter has a rare form of muscular dystrophy, is upset that her ex is getting married.

From The Daily Beast

A dreadful disease, possibly muscular dystrophy, had shriveled his legs.

From The Daily Beast

Born in Queens, Rona Barrett was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy when she was 9.

From The Daily Beast

Progressive muscular dystrophy is also hereditary and incurable.

From Project Gutenberg

The denominations "myoclonus," "muscular dystrophy," "degenerate," are alike inconvenient.

From Project Gutenberg