multiple sclerosis

English

Etymology

Ellipsis of multiple cerebral sclerosis, i.e. appearance of hardenings or nodules dispersed throughout parts of the central nervous system, in the brain or spinal cord. Confusingly, at some point during the 20th century most sources started dropping cerebral from the expression, even though sclerosis can occur in the other tissues of the body, in unrelated pathologies.

Pronunciation

  • Audio (Southern England):(file)

Noun

multiple sclerosis (uncountable)

  1. (pathology) A chronic non-contagious disease of the brain and spinal cord characterized by changes in sensation, visual problems, weakness, depression, difficulties with coordination and speech, impaired mobility and disability.
    Synonym: (initialism) MS
    • 2026 October 28, Toni Connor, Luke Sproule, “Patient living in ‘horrific pain’ due to UK-wide drugs shortage”, in BBC News‎[1], archived from the original on 28 October 2026, retrieved 28 October 2026:
      A woman with multiple sclerosis (MS) has said she is living with “horrific pain” after being unable to get a drug she uses to manage her condition.

Translations

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