Medical Suffix
-sclerosis
-sclerosis means hardening (from the Greek).
What does -sclerosis mean?
The suffix -sclerosis means hardening. It comes from the Greek word for hard and is used at the end of medical terms that describe tissue becoming hard or stiff.
For example, atherosclerosis is hardening of the arteries due to fatty deposits, and arteriosclerosis is a general term for hardening and thickening of artery walls. In each case, -sclerosis tells you that something is becoming hard, and the first part of the word tells you what.
Learning -sclerosis helps you recognise a group of important terms, especially those describing changes in blood vessels, which are common in heart and circulation conditions.
Example words using -sclerosis
Related word parts
Frequently asked questions
What does -sclerosis mean?
-sclerosis is a suffix meaning hardening.
What does atherosclerosis mean?
It means hardening of the arteries from fatty deposits.
What does arteriosclerosis mean?
It means hardening and thickening of artery walls.
Where does -sclerosis come from?
It comes from the Greek word for hard.
Study reference only — not medical advice. Always consult qualified sources for clinical decisions.