Word: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Definition:
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a medical condition that affects the nerves in the spinal cord and brain. It causes the muscles to weaken and waste away (atrophy). This happens because the nerve cells that control the muscles become damaged. It usually starts in the arms or legs and can progress to other parts of the body.
Usage Instructions:
When using the term "amyotrophic lateral sclerosis," it is often abbreviated as "ALS." You can use it when discussing health, medical conditions, or neurological diseases. It's important to use it in a context related to health or medicine.
Example Sentence:
"Stephen Hawking was a famous physicist who lived with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis for many years."
Advanced Usage:
In advanced discussions, you might talk about the symptoms, treatment options, or research related to ALS. For example: "Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis may experience difficulty with speech and breathing as the disease progresses."
Word Variants:
- ALS: The abbreviation is commonly used in both medical and casual conversations. - Amyotrophy: A related term that describes the wasting away of muscle tissue, which is a major symptom of ALS.
Different Meaning:
There are no widely recognized different meanings for "amyotrophic lateral sclerosis," as it specifically refers to this particular disease.
Synonyms:
There are not many synonyms for "amyotrophic lateral sclerosis" since it is a specific medical term. However, you might encounter terms related to its symptoms, like "muscle atrophy."
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "amyotrophic lateral sclerosis." However, you might hear phrases like "fighting against ALS" or "living with ALS," which convey the challenges faced by those affected.
Summary:
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a serious health condition that affects muscle control.