Basic Details
Word: Atrophy
Part of Speech: Noun/Verb
Meaning: The process of wasting away or a decrease in size or health of a body part, often due to lack of use.
Synonyms: Deterioration, wasting, decline
Antonyms: Growth, development, progress
Idioms and Phrases
- Atrophy of the mind: Refers to a decline in mental abilities due to lack of use or stimulation. Example: "Without challenging puzzles, her reasoning skills began to show signs of atrophy of the mind."
- Don't let it atrophy: A phrase encouraging someone not to neglect their skills or abilities. Example: "If you want to be a great musician, don't let your practice sessions atrophy over the summer."
Usage Examples
Example 1: When James stopped exercising for months, he noticed the atrophy in his muscles and decided to return to the gym.
Example 2: The doctor explained that the atrophy of the patient's arm was due to inactivity after the injury.
Example 3: If children do not engage in reading regularly, there could be a risk of atrophy in their language skills.
Fun Fact
Did you know that muscle atrophy can begin within just a few days of inactivity? Thats why staying active is important to maintain strength and health!
Famous Quote
"The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge." Stephen Hawking reminding us that neglecting to learn can lead to the atrophy of the mind.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "atrophy" mean?
a) A condition of excessive growth
b) The process of wasting away
c) A kind of exercise
d) A type of food
Answer: b) The process of wasting away
2. Which of these is a synonym of "atrophy"?
a) Flourish
b) Deterioration
c) Advancement
d) Increase
Answer: b) Deterioration
3. Which sentence uses "atrophy" correctly?
a) She experienced atrophy in her skills because she stopped practicing.
b) The atrophy of flowers in spring is beautiful.
c) The athlete showed great atrophy after winning the race.
d) The garden was full of atrophy plants.
Answer: a) She experienced atrophy in her skills because she stopped practicing.
4. Which idiom means not to neglect your skills or abilities, related to "atrophy"?
a) Atrophy of the mind
b) Don't let it atrophy
c) The grass is always greener
d) A fish out of water
Answer: b) Don't let it atrophy
5. What is the opposite of "atrophy"?
a) Loss
b) Improvement
c) Decline
d) Wasting
Answer: b) Improvement
