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

The goal was to raise awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a rare degenerative disease that causes progressive paralysis of the muscles. —Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025

Eric Dane, whose many TV credits include Grey’s Anatomy, The Last Ship and Euphoria, has been diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis aka Lou Gehrig’s disease). —Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 10 Apr. 2025

Hawking began his research career in the 1960s, well before his diagnosis with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) led him to use a wheelchair and communicate through technology rather than his voice for most of his adult life. —Paul Sutter, Space.com, 19 Mar. 2025

The program funds research into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and epilepsy. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 11 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

a- entry 2 + my- + -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