multiple sclerosis

Questions

What does multiple sclerosis mean?

A chronic non-contagious 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.

Where does multiple sclerosis come from?

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.

How to pronounce multiple sclerosis

1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “multiple sclerosis”.
2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “multiple sclerosis”.
4. Repeat and practice — Say “multiple sclerosis” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.