sweeny

[ swee-nee ]

noun

, Veterinary Pathology.

1. atrophy of the shoulder muscles in horses.

sweeny

/ ˈswiːnɪ /

noun

1. vet science a wasting of the shoulder muscles of a horse, esp as the result of a nerve injury

Word History and Origins

Origin of sweeny¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1820–30; compare dialectal German Schweine, Pennsylvania Dutch Schwinne “atrophy,” Old English swindan “to pine away, disappear”

Word History and Origins

Origin of sweeny¹

C19: probably from German dialect Schweine emaciation, atrophy

Example Sentences

He will play Francisco Cerundolo next after the Argentine 22nd seed came out on top in five sets against Australian Dane Sweeny, winning 3-6 6-3 6-4 2-6 6-2.

From BBC

It was "absurd that the whole school life is condensed into a single-word judgement", NEU deputy general secretary Niamh Sweeny said.

From BBC

The Phillips 66 Sweeny refinery near Houston, Texas, exceeded its limits 44 times, mostly for excess cyanide, but was only penalized once.

From Salon

The Washington Nationals on Monday released Seth Romero, according to a team spokeswoman, after the left-hander was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated and possession of a controlled substance Sunday in Sweeny, Tex.

From Washington Post

The peloton was closing in on the five breakaway riders who also included Jimmy Janssens and Harrison Sweeny, but not soon enough.

From Seattle Times