sclerosis

noun

Etymology: From Ancient Greek σκλήρωσις (sklḗrōsis, “hardening”), from σκληρόω (sklēróō, “to harden”), from σκληρός (sklērós, “hard”); by surface analysis, sclero- + -osis.

1. The abnormal hardening of body tissues, such as an artery; the appearance of hardenings, indurations, lesions, nodules.

   “The “Euphoria” and “Grey’s Anatomy” actor announced on Thursday that he has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.”

2. Inability to create change or excessive resistance to change.

   “Suppressing dissent dooms the society to sclerosis, decline and collapse.”