HealthSeptember 2, 2026
atrophy
A-truh-fee
Definition
The gradual wasting away, shrinking, or degeneration of a body part or tissue due to cell loss or disease.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek 'atrophia,' which combines 'a-' (without) and 'trophe' (nourishment), originally referring to a failure of nutrition leading to the wasting of the body.
In the news
In this article, the term refers to the measurable shrinkage of brain tissue, which the researchers identified as a sign of poorer long-term brain health linked to persistent financial strain.
Money problems may age your brain faster
Read the full article ↗Science Daily