abiotrophy

noun

Meaning

Premature degeneration or loss of vitality in cells or tissues that were previously healthy.

Examples

  • The patient's condition was diagnosed as a rare form of retinal abiotrophy that leads to progressive vision loss.
  • Researchers are studying the molecular triggers of neuronal abiotrophy in neurodegenerative diseases.

Synonyms: degeneration, atrophy, senescence, deterioration