nephropathy
noun
ne·phrop·a·thy
ni-ˈfrä-pə-thē 
plural nephropathies
: an abnormal state of the kidney
especially
: one associated with or secondary to some other pathological process
Examples of nephropathy in a Sentence
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IgA nephropathy mainly affects the kidneys, while IgA vasculitis can also involve your skin, joints, and digestive system.
—
Ruth Jessen Hickman, Health, 11 Oct. 2025
Key Takeaways IgA nephropathy is a progressive disease where immune proteins damage the kidneys' filtering units.
—Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2025
Diabetic nephropathy causes the deterioration of kidney function and eventual failure; diabetic retinopathy can lead to vision loss and blindness.
—New Atlas, 14 July 2024
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Ruth Jessen Hickman, Health, 11 Oct. 2025
Key Takeaways IgA nephropathy is a progressive disease where immune proteins damage the kidneys' filtering units.
—Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2025
Diabetic nephropathy causes the deterioration of kidney function and eventual failure; diabetic retinopathy can lead to vision loss and blindness.
—New Atlas, 14 July 2024
Cite this Entry
“Nephropathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nephropathy. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
nephropathy
noun
ne·phrop·a·thy
ni-ˈfräp-ə-thē
plural nephropathies
: an abnormal state of the kidney
especially
: one associated with or secondary to some other pathological process
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