amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

noun

amyo·​tro·​phic lateral sclerosis ˌā-ˌmī-ə-ˈtrō-fik- How to pronounce amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (audio) -ˈträ- How to pronounce amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (audio)
: 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
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The feature is intended to reduce the difficulties people with conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may face when using conventional keyboards or voice dictation. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026 Dane died in February following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, a degenerative neurological disorder that currently has no cure. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 She was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, four years ago. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026 Brooke Eby was 33 years old when she was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. — Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis was in 1875

Rhymes for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

See All Rhymes for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Browse Nearby Words

amyotonia
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Amyraldism
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Cite this Entry

“Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amyotrophic%20lateral%20sclerosis. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

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