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Dystrophy - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Dystrophy refers to a disorder involving the degeneration or abnormal development of tissues, often muscles, due to poor nutrition or disease. It commonly appears in medical terms like muscular dystrophy.

dystrophy

/ˈdɪstrəfi/ /ˈdɪstrəfi/

Definition:

A disorder involving degeneration or abnormal development of tissues, often due to malnutrition or disease.

Synonyms:

degeneration, atrophy, wasting, deterioration

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

growth, development, health

Common Collocations:

muscular dystrophy, progressive dystrophy, inherited dystrophy

Derivatives:

dystrophic, dystrophin

Usage Tips:

Use "dystrophy" to describe conditions like muscular dystrophy; avoid generalizing it for temporary ailments.

Common Phrases:

muscular dystrophy, Duchenne dystrophy, retinal dystrophy

Etymology:

From Greek "dys-" (bad) + "-trophia" (nourishment), meaning faulty nutrition or development.

Examples:

  • 1. The doctor diagnosed him with muscular dystrophy early in life.
  • 2. Dystrophy often leads to progressive weakness in affected muscles.
  • 3. Her research focuses on treatments for retinal dystrophy.
  • 4. Poor nutrition can contribute to certain forms of dystrophy.

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