dystrophy

noun

dys·tro·phy ˈdi-strə-fē

plural dystrophies

: a condition produced by faulty nutrition

: any myogenic atrophy

especially : muscular dystrophy

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Breaking Down Dystrophy

Since the prefix dys- means "bad" or "difficult", dystrophy is always a negative term. Originally it meant "a condition caused by improper nutrition", but today the term is instead used for a variety of other conditions, particularly conditions that noticeably affect the muscles. Of the many types of muscular dystrophy, the best known is Duchenne's, a terrible disease that strikes about one in 3,300 males and produces severe wasting of the muscles. However, the muscular dystrophies generally affect many other organs and systems as well. And the other dystrophies, which tend to involve the eyes or hands, don't much resemble the muscular dystrophies.

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web In a strange twist of fate, Eichelberger found out a few months ago that her 7-year-old daughter has a form of ocular dystrophy that affects her eyesight. —

Pam Mcloughlin, Hartford Courant, 19 Sep. 2022 Myotonic dystrophy is a rare, inherited disease that affects the muscles and other body systems. —

Julie Washington, cleveland, 16 Apr. 2022 Myotonic dystrophy is usually caused by a gene mutation. —

Julie Washington, cleveland, 16 Apr. 2022 Myotonic dystrophy type 2, is an even rarer form of the the condition and its exact prevalence is unknown. —

Maggie O'neill, Health.com, 15 Apr. 2022 Myotonic dystrophy is also known to cause irregular electrical control of the heartbeat. —

Caitlin O'kane, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2022 Myotonic dystrophy can lead to scarring in the heart, and arrhythmias — an irregular heartbeat. —

Julie Mazziotta, PEOPLE.com, 13 Apr. 2022 This year, 53 one-of-a-kind pieces were donated to the sale, which raises funds for the Monagasque Association against Muscular dystrophy. —

Carol Besler, Robb Report, 8 Nov. 2021 This is the ninth edition of the biennial charity auction, which has to date raised more than $70-million for the Monagasque Association against Muscular dystrophy. —

Carol Besler, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dystrophy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.