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

In August 2023, 57-year-old photographer Bryan Randall passed away from complications related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. — Alessandra De Tommasi, Vanity Fair, 22 Aug. 2026

The Practical Magic 2 star recently sat down with the SmartLess podcast and opened up about Randall’s death in August 2023 following a three-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Aug. 2026

Eric Dane died in February at age 53 after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026

McMichael, who had a lengthy battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), died on April 23, 2025. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

translation of French sclérose latérale amyotrophique; amyotrophique "marked by atrophy of a muscle" from a- a- entry 2 + myo- myo- + -trophique -trophic

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

• acanthosis
• acidosis
• alkalosis
• amaurosis
• ankylosis
• asbestosis
• brucellosis
• cyanosis
• dermatosis
• diagnosis
• ecchymosis
• exostosis

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