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

Fampridine is currently used to improve walking ability in multiple sclerosis.

From Science Daily

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

During filming, a piece of glass sliced a tendon in Garr’s foot; later, she would wonder if the accident had triggered her multiple sclerosis.

From Los Angeles Times

The pair have two children and Sarra was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis shortly before her husband learned of his illness.

From BBC

Just before Sir Chris's tumour was discovered, Sarra had undergone scans that would later show she had multiple sclerosis, a degenerative disease.

From BBC