Dictionary

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

noun amyo·tro·phic lateral sclerosis \ˌā-ˌmī-ə-ˈtrō-fik-, -ˈträ-\

Definition of AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS

:  a rare progressive degenerative fatal disease affecting the motor neurons, usually beginning in middle age, and characterized especially by increasing and spreading muscular weakness and atrophy —abbreviation ALS —called also Lou Gehrig's disease
ADVERTISEMENT

Origin of AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS

2a- + my- + -trophic
First Known Use: 1875
Medical Dictionary

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

noun

Medical Definition of AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS

:  a rare fatal progressive degenerative disease that affects pyramidal motor neurons, usually begins in middle age, and is characterized especially by increasing and spreading muscular weakness—abbreviation ALS; called also Lou Gehrig's disease

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: AmyraldismPrevious Word in the Dictionary: amyotoniaAll Words Near: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears