sclerosis

American  

[skli-roh-sis] / sklɪˈroʊ sɪs /

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.

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sclerosis British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• sclerosal adjective

Etymology

Origin of sclerosis

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

Example Sentences

The research paper is titled "Decreased mitochondrial activity in the demyelinating cerebellum of progressive multiple sclerosis and chronic EAE contributes to Purkinje cell loss."

From Science Daily

After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 27, she - and often Teddy - appeared in five Paralympic Games, winning 10 medals, including six golds.

From BBC

I have multiple sclerosis and use my own wheelchair when traveling.

From The Wall Street Journal

In June of that year he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, a rapid neurodegenerative disease that kills the brain cells needed to control muscles in the body.

From The Wall Street Journal

Tom Youngs: Former Cambridge United, Northampton Town and Bury player died from complications from multiple sclerosis.

From BBC