What does amyotrophic mean?
Amyotrophic refers to a group of diseases that affect the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and wasting. The term is often used to describe amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurological disease that affects nerve cells and leads to muscle paralysis. The word has its roots in Greek, with 'amyotrophic' derived from 'amyotrophia,' meaning 'muscle wasting.' In medical contexts, amyotrophic is used to describe the symptoms and progression of the disease, which can vary in severity and impact. The term is often used in conjunction with other medical terms, such as 'neurodegenerative' and 'motor neuron disease.' Overall, amyotrophic is a technical term used in medical and scientific contexts to describe a specific group of diseases that affect the nervous system.
adjectiveRelating to or denoting a disease of the nervous system in which the nerve cells (motor neurons) gradually die, leading to muscle weakness and wasting, especially in the limbs.
- 1. Relating to or denoting a disease of the nervous system in which the nerve cells (motor neurons) gradually die, leading to muscle weakness and wasting, especially in the limbs.
"Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurological disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis."
"The patient's amyotrophic symptoms worsened over time, leading to significant muscle weakness and paralysis."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of amyotrophic
The word 'amyotrophic' is derived from the Greek words 'amyotrophia,' meaning 'muscle wasting,' and 'trophic,' meaning 'nourishment.' The term was first used in the late 19th century to describe a group of diseases that affect the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord.
Usage notes
Amyotrophic is a technical term used in medical and scientific contexts to describe a specific group of diseases that affect the nervous system. It is often used in conjunction with other medical terms, such as 'neurodegenerative' and 'motor neuron disease.' The term has a formal tone and is not typically used in everyday conversation.