English Reference

Word

ALS

Phoneticsals

/ˈæɫz/

Definitions

01medical condition

C1 · Medicine

n. Stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. It is a serious disease that affects the nerves and muscles in the body.

n. Abbreviation for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. A progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control.

“The Ice Bucket Challenge helped raise millions of dollars for ALS research.”

“The patient was diagnosed with ALS after experiencing persistent muscle weakness and difficulty swallowing, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach to care.”

Technical

Usage

Often used with the definite article 'the' in general contexts, though omitted in medical shorthand.

Teaching tip

In the UK and Australia, this condition is more commonly referred to as Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Synonyms

Lou Gehrig's diseasemotor neurone disease

02education system

C1 · Education

n. Stands for Alternative Learning System. It is a program that provides education to people who cannot attend regular schools.

n. Abbreviation for Alternative Learning System. A parallel learning system that provides a practical option to existing formal instruction.

“He finished his high school education through the ALS program while working a full-time job.”

“The government expanded the ALS initiative to reach out-of-school youth in remote provinces who lacked access to traditional secondary education.”

Technical

Usage

Commonly used in the context of Philippine education policy.

Synonyms

non-formal education

03aviation lighting

C2 · Science

n. Stands for Approach Lighting System. These are the bright lights on a runway that help pilots land safely at night or in bad weather.

n. Abbreviation for Approach Lighting System. A configuration of signal lights starting at the landing threshold and extending into the approach area.

“The pilot looked for the ALS to guide the plane onto the runway during the heavy rain.”

“The airport upgraded its ALS to Category II standards to allow for safer landings during periods of extremely low visibility.”

Technical

Synonyms

runway lights

04electronics sensor

C2 · Computing

n. Stands for Ambient Light Sensor. It is a small part in a phone or computer that changes the screen brightness based on the light around you.

n. Abbreviation for Ambient Light Sensor. A component that detects the amount of light in the environment to adjust display backlight intensity.

“The ALS on my phone automatically dims the screen when I enter a dark room.”

“The tablet's ALS failed to calibrate correctly, resulting in a display that remained at maximum brightness even in total darkness.”

Technical

Synonyms

light sensor

Domains

AviationEducationElectronics

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/als

English Reference