sclerotic

American  

[skli-rot-ik] / sklɪˈrɒt ɪk /

adjective

1. Anatomy. Also of or relating to the sclera.

2. Pathology, Botany. pertaining to or affected with sclerosis.

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sclerotic British  

/ sklɪəˈrɒtɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to the sclera

2. of, relating to, or having sclerosis

3. botany characterized by the hardening and strengthening of cell walls

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noun

1. another name for sclera

Other Word Forms

• subsclerotic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of sclerotic

1535–45; < New Latin sclērōticus of hardening, equivalent to Greek sklērṓt ( ēs ) hardness (derivative of sklērós hard; see sclero-) + New Latin -icus -ic

Example Sentences

With the high bar it set for entry into its elite training system, and its sclerotic marital customs limiting birthrates, its population of homoioi decreased while neighboring states were growing.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026

But there is no easy solution to the High Street challenge given cash-strapped councils, pressured public services, sclerotic economic growth and regional inequalities.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

Meanwhile, with very poor demographics and a sclerotic economy, Japan is less likely to grow its way out of its debt problem than the U.S.

From Barron's • Feb. 9, 2026

The center’s calendar is looking increasingly sclerotic as big names continue to defect, with the NSO providing much-needed padding as it moves on in the face of unending change.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 27, 2026

Between the sclerotic and the subjacent choroid coat is a lymph space traversed by some loose pigmented connective tissue,—the 92 lamina fusca.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 1 "Evangelical Church Conference" to "Fairbairn, Sir William" by Various