The word for today is…
atrophy (noun, verb):
noun
1: decrease in size or wasting away of a body part or tissue
also : arrested development or loss of a part or organ incidental to the normal development or life of an animal or plant
2: a wasting away or progressive decline
verb
: to waste away (as from disease or disuse) : to undergo atrophy
Source : Merriam -Webster
Etymology : From its literal Greek roots, atrophy would mean basically "lack of nourishment". Although the English word doesn't usually imply any lack of food, it always refers to a wasting away. Those who have been bedridden for a period of time will notice that their muscles have atrophied. And muscular atrophy is a frequent result of such diseases as cancer and neurological degenerative disorders. We also use atrophy in a much more general sense. After being out of work a few years, you may find your work skills have atrophied; someone who's been living an isolated life may discover the same thing about his or her social skills; and a democracy can atrophy when its citizens cease to pay attention to how they're being governed
If you enjoyed this Good Oil word of the day please consider sharing it with your friends and, especially, your children.
