amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

noun

amyo·​tro·​phic lateral sclerosis ˌā-ˌmī-ə-ˈtrō-fik-  -ˈträ- 

: 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

Examples of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Joe Bonsall health issues with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis caused retirement Bonsall retired from performing on the road with the group after 50 years six months ago, citing the half-decade onset of his ALS diagnosis. —Marcus K. Dowling, USA TODAY, 9 July 2024

Early research has established a likely link between these activities and Parkinson’s, as well as other neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). —Randi Richardson, NBC News, 24 Sep. 2024

The Oak Ridge Boys song 'Elvira': 1981 CMA Single of the Year What is ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease? ALS stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and is named for the New York Yankees star player who suffered from the disease, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. —Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 9 July 2024

Popular local radio personality Jim Scott, who retired as 700 WLW-AM morning radio host in 2015, died Friday of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). —Jeff Suess, The Enquirer, 29 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

a- entry 2 + my- + -trophic

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

noun

: 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