sarcopenia

noun

sar·​co·​pe·​nia ˌsär-kō-ˈpē-nē-ə How to pronounce sarcopenia (audio)
: reduction in skeletal muscle mass due to aging

Examples of sarcopenia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Estrogen loss during perimenopause and menopause accelerates the breakdown of bone and muscle mass, putting women at outsized risk for osteoporosis and sarcopenia. — Shimite Obialo, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026 Low intake of protein over time can lead to sarcopenia, a progressive loss of muscle mass and strength. — Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2026 CT scans can measure muscle loss – a condition called sarcopenia – and patients with low muscle mass consistently face higher rates of postoperative complications and death compared with those with normal muscle mass. — Peter Gunderman, The Conversation, 18 Mar. 2026 In people with existing degenerative conditions—such as Parkinson’s disease, sarcopenia, or Alzheimer’s disease—NAD precursors may help slow decline. — Boutayna Chokrane, Wired News, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sarcopenia

Word History

Etymology

sarco- + -penia

First Known Use

1991, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sarcopenia was in 1991

Rhymes for sarcopenia

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Browse Nearby Words

sarcomere
sarcopenia
sarcophagine
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Cite this Entry

“Sarcopenia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sarcopenia. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

sarcopenia

noun
sar·​co·​pe·​nia ˌsär-kō-ˈpē-nē-ə How to pronounce sarcopenia (audio)
: reduction in skeletal muscle mass due to aging
Age-related sarcopenia is a key component of frailty.—Alessandro Laviano, The New England Journal of Medicine
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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