Sclerotic: meaning, definitions and examples

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sclerotic

 

[ skləˈrɒtɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

medical condition

Sclerotic refers to a condition characterized by abnormal hardening of body tissue, particularly in reference to tissues like blood vessels or organs. In medicine, it describes tissues that have become hard due to various factors such as inflammation, disease processes, or the aging of tissues. Conditions like multiple sclerosis or certain arterial diseases may exhibit sclerotic changes. This term is significant in understanding various disease mechanisms and the implications of tissue rigidity on health.

Synonyms

hardened, indurated, rigid.

Examples of usage

  • The patient was diagnosed with sclerotic changes in the liver.
  • Sclerotic arteries can lead to serious cardiovascular issues.
  • The MRI showed evidence of sclerotic lesions in the brain.

Translations

Translations of the word "sclerotic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esclerótico

🇮🇳 स्क्लेरोटिक

🇩🇪 sklerotisch

🇮🇩 sklerotik

🇺🇦 склеротичний

🇵🇱 sklerotyczny

🇯🇵 硬化した

🇫🇷 scléreux

🇪🇸 esclerótico

🇹🇷 sklerotik

🇰🇷 경화성의

🇸🇦 صلب

🇨🇿 sklerotický

🇸🇰 sklerotický

🇨🇳 硬化的

🇸🇮 sklerotičen

🇮🇸 sklerotískur

🇰🇿 склеротикалық

🇬🇪 სკლეროტული

🇦🇿 sklerotik

🇲🇽 esclerótico

Etymology

The term 'sclerotic' originates from the Greek word 'skleros', meaning hard. It has been used in medical terminology since the 19th century to describe various pathological conditions where tissue becomes hardened. In the context of diseases, 'sclerosis' became popularized, associating the term with specific conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, which is characterized by the hardening of tissues in the nervous system. The adjective form, 'sclerotic', is derived from the Greek root, reflecting the physical properties of the affected tissues. The acceptance and usage of the term within medical discourse have evolved, enhancing our understanding of both vascular and neurological conditions that exhibit sclerotic characteristics.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,853, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.