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.
These tangles are considered a hallmark of the disease, along with amyloid plaques. Jon Hamilton, NPR, 2 Apr. 2025 In an earlier study, a combination of both amyloid and p-tau 217 tests, called the amyloid probability score, showed a 90% accuracy rate in determining whether memory loss is due to Alzheimer’s disease. Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2025 It was found that the volume of beta amyloid reduces with the volume of opening, and thus the dose of the antibody received. Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 28 Mar. 2025 Certain forms of amyloid are especially destructive, so researchers set their sights on creating anti-amyloid treatments designed to clear the protein from the brain. Alisa Hrustic, SELF, 24 Mar. 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 24 Apr. 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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