What is the term for the weakening or wasting away of a muscle?

The term that refers to the weakening or wasting away of a muscle is atrophy. Atrophy occurs when there is a decrease in the size of muscle fibers, which can result from disuse, aging, or a variety of medical conditions. The process can lead to a reduction in muscle strength and can significantly impact a person's mobility and overall function.

In contrast, hypertrophy refers to the increase in muscle size, typically as a result of exercise or resistance training, where muscle fibers grow in response to physical stress. Contracture is a condition characterized by the shortening and hardening of muscles, tendons, or other tissues, which restricts movement. Dystrophy generally describes a group of disorders involving the gradual degeneration of muscle tissue, often due to genetic causes. Each of these terms relates to muscle health but specifically, atrophy is the correct answer for the wasting away of muscle.