# abiotrophy

CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abiotrophy
Updated: 2026-06-22

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The doctor checked for signs of abiotrophy in the patient.
- After months of poor appetite and digestive issues, the child showed clear signs of abiotrophy that required immediate nutritional intervention.
- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.