sclerosis
UK: sklɪˈrəʊsɪs | US: sklɪˈroʊsɪs
n. abnormal hardening of body tissue, especially as a result of disease (e.g., multiple sclerosis).
scler<hard> + osis<abnormal condition>
- scler: From Greek sklēros (hard), referring to rigidity or hardness.
- osis: A Greek-derived suffix indicating a pathological or abnormal state (e.g., neurosis, fibrosis).
Etymology Origin:
The term sclerosis traces back to ancient Greek medicine, where sklērosis described the unnatural hardening of tissues. The root sklēros (hard) metaphorically extended to medical contexts, while -osis systematically denotes diseases. The word’s logic mirrors its medical impact: a progression from "hard" to "harmful hardening."
Arterial sclerosis can restrict blood flow to vital organs.
Multiple sclerosis affects the central nervous system.
The doctor diagnosed the patient with liver sclerosis.
Aging often accompanies tissue sclerosis.
Early detection may slow the progression of sclerosis.