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

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

Zac Brown Band's John Driskell Hopkins is opting to look at his ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) diagnosis in a different light and is trying to make everyday count. — Janelle Ash , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026

The revered player’s death was caused by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026

But interest in the nascent field is rising as companies notch up milestones, such as enabling people with degenerative conditions including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to type or play video games using brain signals. — Elaine Yu, CNBC, 11 July 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