als

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun thickening of tissue in the motor tracts of the lateral columns and anterior horns of the spinal cord; results in progressive muscle atrophy that starts in the limbs
  2. noun a silvery ductile metallic element found primarily in bauxite
  3. noun a state in the southeastern United States on the Gulf of Mexico; one of the Confederate states during the American Civil War

Etymology

From Middle English als, variant of alse, alsa, also, from Old English eallswā, from Proto-West Germanic *allswā. More at also.

Synonyms

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Lou Gehrig's disease

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