muscular dystrophy

noun

: any of a group of hereditary diseases characterized by progressive wasting of muscles compare becker muscular dystrophy, duchenne muscular dystrophy

Examples of muscular dystrophy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Mentioned toward the end of the film, but not expounded upon, Kenneth disclosed his FSHD diagnosis - a form of muscular dystrophy. Xian Horn, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 Biotech Sarepta Therapeutics dropped 42% on Monday after halting a drug designed to fight a form of muscular dystrophy. Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 16 June 2025 And researchers are evaluating whether those with traumatic brain injuries (like concussions), neuromuscular conditions (like muscular dystrophy) or heart failure may benefit from supplementing with creatine — but more research is needed in all of these areas. Melinda Wenner Moyer, New York Times, 29 May 2025 Jackson began this tour a year after revealing his struggles with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a nerve condition related to muscular dystrophy and Parkinson’s disease that impacts his motor skills. August Brown, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for muscular dystrophy

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of muscular dystrophy was in 1886

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Cite this Entry

“Muscular dystrophy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/muscular%20dystrophy. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

muscular dystrophy

noun
muscular dys·​tro·​phy
-ˈdis-trə-fē
: an inherited disease characterized by increasing weakness of muscles

Medical Definition

muscular dystrophy

noun
: any of a group of hereditary diseases characterized by progressive wasting of muscles

called also progressive muscular dystrophy

see becker muscular dystrophy, duchenne muscular dystrophy

More from Merriam-Webster on muscular dystrophy

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