Lou Gehrig's disease

American  

noun

Pathology.

1. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

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Lou Gehrig's disease British  

/ luː ˈɡɛrɪɡ /

noun

1. another name for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

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Lou Gehrig's disease Scientific  

/ lo̅o̅′gĕr′ĭgz /

1. See amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

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Etymology

Origin of Lou Gehrig's disease

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

The thought of living for years with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, or late-stage dementia for a generation accustomed to being in control is “not something boomers take lightly,” he says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Increased levels of klotho are thought to combat inflammation and improve cognition, and therapies to boost its production are being developed in the U.S. to target specific neurodegenerative ailments, such as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

Rui Cardoso, a portfolio manager at Beutel Goodman, recommends Japan’s Shionogi, a pharmaceutical company that is developing drugs for depression and ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

From Barron's • Mar. 19, 2026

Actor Eric Dane, who rose to fame as Dr. Mark Sloan on “Grey’s Anatomy,” died Thursday afternoon following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease.

From Salon • Feb. 20, 2026

Angry that he’s been hit by ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2025