ENGLISH
REFERENCE

abiotrophy

n. uncountable
C2 Proficiency abiotro·phy
Definition

n. a condition where a person or animal is very thin and weak because they are not getting enough food or nutrients. It is often used in medical contexts to describe a lack of growth or development.

n. a state of extreme emaciation or failure to thrive, typically resulting from inadequate nutrition or metabolic dysfunction. Often used in clinical settings to describe a lack of physical development in children or the wasting of tissues in adults.


SIMPLE

The doctor checked for signs of abiotrophy in the patient.

CONTEXTUAL

After months of poor appetite and digestive issues, the child showed clear signs of abiotrophy that required immediate nutritional intervention.

COMPLEX

The study examined how chronic malnutrition in early childhood can lead to abiotrophy, which in turn affects cognitive development and long-term physical health outcomes.

Last updated June 22, 2026