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.
In previous studies the activation of the virus in brain tissue in the lab led to the hallmarks of the condition, including the development of amyloid plaques, the degradation of neurons, and the impairment of the overall neural network. Michael Franco, New Atlas, 9 Jan. 2025 These drugs work by removing amyloid plaques—unusual clumps of proteins that build up in the brain and block cell communication. Team Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 24 Jan. 2025 Regular aerobic exercise was linked to a reduction in markers in the brains of in rats that associated with the onset of Alzheimer's, including amyloid plaques, according to a new paper in the journal Brain Research. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 Sure enough, after the impacts from the piston, the HSV-1 cells became active and began causing their usual havoc – sparking inflammation, fostering the growth of tangle-causing amyloid plaques, killing off neurons, and leading to a runaway development of glial cells in a process called gliosis. Michael Franco, New Atlas, 9 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

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Cite this Entry

“Amyloid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amyloid. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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