amyloid

noun

am·​y·​loid ˈa-mə-ˌlȯid How to pronounce amyloid (audio)
: a waxy translucent substance consisting primarily of protein that is deposited in some animal organs and tissues under abnormal conditions (such as Alzheimer's disease) compare beta-amyloid
amyloid adjective

Examples of amyloid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When people have Alzheimer’s disease, their brains slowly accumulate abnormal clumps of two proteins: amyloid and tau. — Amy Norton, SELF, 25 Feb. 2025 Amyloidosis is a rare disease where bone marrow produces an abnormal protein called amyloid, according to the University of Kansas Cancer Center. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2025 These participants tended to have higher levels of the two toxic proteins, amyloid and tau, common in people with the disease. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 4 Feb. 2025 Tau, amyloid, iron, oligodendrocytes ferroptosis, and inflammaging in the hippocampal formation of aged rats submitted to an aerobic exercise program. — Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for amyloid

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of amyloid was in 1866

Phrases Containing amyloid

Rhymes for amyloid

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amyloid
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“Amyloid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amyloid. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

amyloid

noun
am·​y·​loid
ˈam-ə-ˌlȯid
1
: a nonnitrogenous starchy food
2
: a waxy translucent substance consisting primarily of protein that is deposited in some animal organs and tissue under abnormal conditions (as in Alzheimer's disease) see beta-amyloid
amyloid adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on amyloid

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about amyloid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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