multiple sclerosis

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.

multiple sclerosis (uncountable)

1. (pathology) A chronic 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