sarcopenia

noun

sar·​co·​pe·​nia ˌsär-kō-ˈpē-nē-ə 

: reduction in skeletal muscle mass due to aging

Examples of sarcopenia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Women may be at a higher risk of sarcopenia, which comes with a host of issues that negatively impact independence and healthy aging. — Jenessa Connor, HEALTH, 3 Nov. 2026

But one to keep an eye on — because it’s linked to serious complications such as frailty, falls and fractures — is sarcopenia. — Sarah Klein, Washington Post, 5 Sep. 2026

Aging can cause sarcopenia, which is a slow loss of muscle and strength. — ABC News, 31 July 2026

Leg strengthening exercises can help stave off sarcopenia and metabolic disease. — Jenessa Connor, Health, 30 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

sarco- + -penia

First Known Use

1991, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sarcopenia

• asthenia
• eugenia
• lacinia
• puccinia
• robinia
• vaccinia
• yersinia
• iphigenia
• leukopenia
• myasthenia
• neurasthenia
• neutropenia

Medical Definition

sarcopenia

noun

sar·​co·​pe·​nia ˌsär-kō-ˈpē-nē-ə 

: reduction in skeletal muscle mass due to aging

Age-related sarcopenia is a key component of frailty.

—Alessandro Laviano, The New England Journal of Medicine