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asthenic

American  
[as-then-ik] / æsˈθɛn ɪk /

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or characterized by asthenia; weak.

  2. (of a physical type) having a slight build or slender body structure.


noun

  1. a person of the asthenic type.

asthenic British  
/ æsˈθɛnɪk /

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or having asthenia; weak

  2. (in constitutional psychology) referring to a physique characterized by long limbs and a small trunk: claimed to be associated with a schizoid personality See also somatotype

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a person having long limbs and a small trunk

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of asthenic

1780–90; < Greek asthenikós, equivalent to asthen- ( asthenia ) + -ikos -ic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In a sense, this fear of drama comes off as latter generations’ asthenic corrective to the unrestrained classical cinephilic embrace of robust Hollywood-centric energies.

From The New Yorker

This difference may in part be accounted for by the generally asthenic type of the disease in the first-named country and its more inflammatory character in the others.

From Project Gutenberg

If, now, we except the eccentricities of Brown, comprising his system, founded on the sthenic and asthenic diathesis, we find little interruption to the general prevalence of the Cullenian system, till nearly the present juncture.

From Project Gutenberg

The Spanish team said on its website that Diarra is "resting at home" and will have treatment for "asthenic syndrome secondary to a sickle-cell anemia."

From Seattle Times

Psychologists class the feelings bound up with flight, cowering, and prostration under the common head of "asthenic emotion".

From Project Gutenberg