sclerosis

[ skli-roh-sis ]

noun

, plural scle·ro·ses [skli-, roh, -seez].

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

Derived Forms

• scleˈrosal, adjective

Other Words From

• scle·rosal 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

People in the clinical at-risk groups include anyone with conditions that affect breathing, some heart conditions, kidney or liver disease, diabetes and some conditions that affect the brain or nerves, such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy.

From BBC

She immediately brought energy and vitality to a party that was drifting inexorably into sclerosis by having an out-of-touch and visibly declining man as their party leader.

From Slate

And he spoke of the "nightmare" of learning wife Sarra had multiple sclerosis, and having to break the news to their two young children.

From BBC

Following a scan, wife Sarra learned in November 2023 she had multiple sclerosis, only sharing the news with her sister.

From BBC

In his first TV interview since then, Sir Chris tells BBC Breakfast's Sally Nugent of the "absolute shock and horror" he felt at his initial diagnosis, the "nightmare" of learning wife Sarra had multiple sclerosis, and having to break the news to their two young children.

From BBC