asthenics
|as-then-ics|
/æsˈθɛnɪks/
without strength
Etymology
'asthenics' originates from Greek via New/Modern Latin; specifically from Greek 'asthenēs' (ἀσθενής), where the prefix 'a-' meant 'without' and 'sthenos' meant 'strength'.
'asthenēs' (Greek) gave rise to New/Modern Latin 'asthenia', which entered English in the 19th century as 'asthenia'; related adjective 'asthenic' was formed from the same root, and the form 'asthenics' developed as a noun form (plural or mass use) referring to states of weakness or to persons of asthenic constitution.
Initially it referred to the state of being 'without strength' (literal lack of strength); over time it has been used in medical contexts to denote specific conditions of debility or to refer to people with a frail constitution.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a medical condition (often used in plural or as a mass noun) characterized by abnormal physical weakness or lack of energy; synonymous with 'asthenia' or debility.
After the infection, the patient suffered from asthenics for several weeks.
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Noun 2
a term (plural) referring to persons who have an asthenic constitution or show signs of chronic weakness — i.e., people with low vitality or frail build.
In the study, researchers compared the respiratory responses of asthenics and robust controls.
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Last updated: 2025/11/06 07:36