leukodystrophy

noun

leu·​ko·​dys·​tro·​phy ˌlü-kō-ˈdi-strə-fē How to pronounce leukodystrophy (audio)
plural leukodystrophies
: any of several genetically determined diseases characterized by progressive degeneration of myelin in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves

Examples of leukodystrophy 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.
The advisory committee was set to vote on May 9 whether to recommend adding two rare genetic diseases to the panel: metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. — Alana Semuels, Time, 17 Apr. 2025 Over a decade of caring for Cal, who suffered from a degenerative neurological disease called leukodystrophy, my husband and I became skilled nurses. — Maria Kefalas, STAT, 22 Dec. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leukodystrophy was in 1960

Rhymes for leukodystrophy

See All Rhymes for leukodystrophy

Browse Nearby Words

leukocytosis
leukodystrophy
leukolysin
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Leukodystrophy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leukodystrophy. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

Medical Definition

leukodystrophy

noun
leu·​ko·​dys·​tro·​phy
variants or chiefly British leucodystrophy
ˌlü-kō-ˈdis-trə-fē How to pronounce leukodystrophy (audio)
plural leukodystrophies
: any of several inherited diseases (as adrenoleukodystrophy) characterized by progressive degeneration of myelin in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

More Words with Remarkable Origins

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All