What does the prefix "scler-" mean?

The prefix "scler-" originates from the Greek word "skleros," which means "hard." In medical terminology, this prefix is often used to describe conditions involving hardness or thickening of tissues. For instance, it appears in terms like "sclerosis," which refers to the hardening of body tissues, commonly associated with various diseases affecting blood vessels and organs. Understanding this prefix can help in the interpretation of medical terms related to hardening conditions, emphasizing its significance in the field of medicine.