multiple sclerosis

noun

Pathology.

1. a chronic degenerative, often episodic disease of the central nervous system marked by patchy destruction of the myelin that surrounds and insulates nerve fibers, usually appearing in young adulthood and manifested by one or more mild to severe neural and muscular impairments, as spastic weakness in one or more limbs, local sensory losses, bladder dysfunction, or visual disturbances.

multiple sclerosis

noun

1. Also called: disseminated sclerosis. a chronic progressive disease of the central nervous system characterized by loss of some of the myelin sheath surrounding certain nerve fibres and resulting in speech and visual disorders, tremor, muscular incoordination, partial paralysis, etc

multiple sclerosis

1. A chronic degenerative disease of the central nervous system in which gradual destruction of myelin occurs in the brain or spinal cord or both, interfering with the nerve pathways and causing muscular weakness, loss of coordination, and speech and visual disturbances. It occurs chiefly in young adults and is thought to be caused by a defect in the immune system that may be of genetic or viral origin.

multiple sclerosis

1. A chronic disease of the central nervous system characterized by the hardening of patches of tissue in the brain and spinal cord. The cause of this disease has to do with damage to the sheathes of nerves, and there is no specific treatment. It occurs in varying degrees of severity and, in the worst case, can result in permanent paralysis.

Word History and Origins

Origin of multiple sclerosis¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

She has multiple sclerosis and uses a wheelchair.

From Los Angeles Times

He was hired as a support act for Engelbert Humperdinck's Las Vegas residency in 1988, before receiving his multiple sclerosis diagnosis a short time later.

From BBC

A chef who has supported his wife through multiple sclerosis said winning £1m on the National Lottery "means everything".

From BBC

Unable to connect with Anne, even years later when the latter has developed multiple sclerosis, Louisa is challenging and compelling, much like this thoughtful book about families.

From Los Angeles Times

The SNP's George Adam spoke movingly about his wife Stacey, who has multiple sclerosis - and who he said should have the right to choose how her life ends.

From BBC