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

Have a neuromuscular disorder such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), muscular dystrophy, or myasthenia gravis (MG), as these individuals may be at a higher risk of side effects like muscle weakness, double vision, difficulty swallowing, and eyelid drooping. —Sara Hoffman, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 19 Dec. 2024

The film, which stars Gary Cooper, Teresa Wright and Walter Brennan, shines as a memorable Hollywood tribute to New York Yankees iron man first baseman Lou Gehrig, who had recently died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, aka Lou Gehrig’s disease). —Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024

Those with end-stage renal disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) also are eligible for benefits as well. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024

There is also an ongoing program investigating three lncRNAs which have been associated with the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. —Juergen Eckhardt, Forbes, 23 Oct. 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