SCLEROTIC Meaning and
Definition
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Sclerotic is an adjective that is used to describe something that has hardened or become rigid, particularly in the context of medical or biological conditions.
In medical terminology, "sclerotic" refers to the hardening or thickening of a certain tissue or organ. It is commonly associated with conditions like arteriosclerosis, which is the progressive hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to the buildup of plaque, or multiple sclerosis, a chronic disease in which the body's immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord, leading to impairment of nerve function.
Beyond medical usage, "sclerotic" can also be applied metaphorically to describe social or cultural structures that are rigid, inflexible, or resistant to change. For example, one might refer to a sclerotic political system that has become entrenched and resistant to reforms. Similarly, it can also be used to describe a person who exhibits rigid or outdated thinking, holding on to traditional views in spite of changing circumstances or evidence to the contrary.
Overall, sclerotic describes a state of hardness, rigidity, or inflexibility either in physical structures or in abstract concepts like social systems or individuals' beliefs.
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1. Relating to sclerosis. 2. The sclera of the eye. 3. Relating to ergot.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• Hard; firm-applied to the external membrane of the eye.
• The outer membrane or tunic of the eye; in med., a substance that hardens parts.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SCLEROTIC
Etymology of SCLEROTIC
The word "sclerotic" originates from the Greek word "sklēros" (σκληρός), which means "hard". This word gave rise to the Greek medical term "sklērōma" (σκλήρωμα), referring to the hardening or induration of tissues. "Sclerotic" evolved from the Latin form of this term, "sclērōsis", which further led to the English word "sclerosis". In medical terminology, "sclerotic" describes pathological conditions characterized by abnormal hardening or thickening of tissues, such as the hardening of the arteries known as "arteriosclerosis".
Similar spelling words for SCLEROTIC
- sclerometer,
- scaler,
- scleritis,
- schuller,
- scleranthus,
- sculler,
- schooler,
- schiller,
- scalar,
- sclerotium,
- schlereth,
- Schuyler,
- scleroderma,
- schuler,
- sclera,
- sclerite,
- schueler,
- scleroparei,
- sclerotomy,
- sclerosis,
- sclerodema,
- schaller,
- sclerosed,
- sclerotinia.
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