sclerosis

American  

[skli-roh-sis] / sklɪˈroʊ sɪs /

noun

• scleroses
  plural

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

Derived Forms

• sclerosal
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• scleroses
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of sclerosis

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

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Explanation

Someone is diagnosed with the condition sclerosis when a part of their body becomes unusually hardened. A diet that's too high in cholesterol can cause sclerosis of the arteries. In many cases of sclerosis, the stiffening of tissue in organs, nerves, or arteries happens when it's gradually replaced with harder connective tissue. One of the most common forms of sclerosis is called multiple sclerosis, or MS. In this disorder, nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain are affected. Eventually patients with multiple sclerosis experience lack of coordination, numbness, and other symptoms. The Greek root is skleros, or "hard."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sclerosis

Researchers hope the findings will reveal potential targets for treating neurological conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 16, 2026

For 25 years I’ve been dealing with multiple sclerosis and assorted other maladies.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 13, 2026

Blair, known for her roles in “Cruel Intentions” and “Legally Blonde,” publicly revealed her multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2018.

From Salon ● Oct. 12, 2026

In 2024, Smith revealed that she was living with the debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2026

It is what physicians must now do for patients with intractable cancer, severe rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and advanced cirrhosis.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas

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