sclerosis

[skli-roh-sis] /sklɪˈroʊ sɪs/
noun, plural scleroses
[skli-roh-seez] /sklɪˈroʊ siz/ (Show IPA)
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.
Origin
1350-1400; Middle English < Medieval Latin < Greek sklḗrōsis hardening. See scler-, -osis
Related forms
sclerosal, adjective
Examples from the web for sclerosis
  • Researchers have identified two types of white blood cells that are thought to cause multiple sclerosis by attacking nerve tissue.
  • The danger is that over time, without another bout of reform, sclerosis will set in.
  • In fact, the substance could possibly aid in the treatment of depression and multiple sclerosis.
  • Twin study surveys genome for cause of multiple sclerosis.
  • Multiple sclerosis is a tricky disease to find and diagnose.
  • Multiple sclerosis and demyelinating conditions of the central nervous system.
  • The continent is undergoing one of its periodic bouts of sclerosis.
  • Lets pray that the research continues for both spinal injuries and multiple sclerosis.
  • Scientists are looking into a treatment for multiple sclerosis that involves injecting stem cells in to the bloodstream.
  • People with multiple sclerosis should make every effort to preserve their general health.
British Dictionary definitions for sclerosis

sclerosis

/sklɪəˈrəʊsɪs/
noun (pl) -ses (-siːz)
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
sclerosal, adjective
Word Origin
C14: via Medieval Latin from Greek sklērōsis a hardening
Word Origin and History for sclerosis
n.

"morbid hardening of the tissue," late 14c., from Medieval Latin sclirosis "a hardness, hard tumor," from Greek sklerosis "hardening," from skleros "hard" (see sclero-). Figurative use by 1954.

sclerosis in Medicine

sclerosis scle·ro·sis (sklə-rō'sĭs)
n. pl. scle·ro·ses (-sēz)

  1. The hardening of a tissue or part due to chronic inflammation.

  2. A thickening or hardening of a body part or system especially from excessive formation of fibrous interstitial or glial tissue.

  3. Any of various diseases characterized by thickening or hardening, such as arteriosclerosis.