sclerosis

[skli-roh-sis]

noun

plural

scleroses 

1. Pathology.,  a hardening or induration of a tissue or part, or an increase of connective tissue or the like at the expense of more active tissue.

2. Botany.,  a hardening of a tissue or cell wall by thickening or lignification.

sclerosis

/ sklɪəˈrəʊsɪs /

noun

1. pathol a hardening or thickening of organs, tissues, or vessels from chronic inflammation, abnormal growth of fibrous tissue, or degeneration of the myelin sheath of nerve fibres, or (esp on the inner walls of arteries) deposition of fatty plaques Compare arteriosclerosis atherosclerosis multiple sclerosis

2. the hardening of a plant cell wall or tissue by the deposition of lignin

3. a debilitating lack of progress or innovation within an institution or organization

Other Word Forms

• sclerosal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sclerosis¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Medieval Latin < Greek sklḗrōsis hardening. See scler-, -osis

Word History and Origins

Origin of sclerosis¹

C14: via Medieval Latin from Greek sklērōsis a hardening

Example Sentences

They also communicate with specialists to coordinate patients’ care, a big benefit for those managing chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis or acute needs like a broken hip.

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As he manages his own amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, actor Eric Dane is also advocating for the continuation of the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act, which is set to expire in 2026.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

She has multiple sclerosis and uses a wheelchair.

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He was hired as a support act for Engelbert Humperdinck's Las Vegas residency in 1988, before receiving his multiple sclerosis diagnosis a short time later.

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The case that landed Jim before the Supreme Court started during one of the hardest periods of his life, when John was dying from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Read more on Los Angeles Times