tau

noun

ˈtau̇ 

ˈtȯ

1

: the 19th letter of the Greek alphabet see Alphabet Table

2

: a short-lived elementary particle of the lepton family that exists in positive and negative charge states and has a mass about 3500 times greater than an electron

called also tau particle

3

: a protein that binds to and regulates the assembly and stability of neuronal microtubules and that is found in an abnormal form as the major component of neurofibrillary tangles

Examples of tau in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As part of the trial, Nicholls underwent a battery of tests, including a unique blood test that can track levels of amyloid, tau and other hallmark biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease and other degenerative conditions. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 18 June 2024

The agency also asked the panel to discuss the possibility of limiting use of the drug to patients with a certain level of a brain protein called tau, which was measured in Lilly’s trials. —Elaine Chen, STAT, 11 June 2024

In the trial, patients with low-to-medium levels of tau in their brains, in addition to amyloid, showed slower clinical decline than patients who only had amyloid. —Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 11 June 2024

Lilly’s studies also showed that regardless of their tau levels, people responded to the drug and slowed progression of their disease. —Alice Park, TIME, 11 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English taw, from Latin tau, from Greek, of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew tāw taw

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing tau

• tau cross

Kids Definition

tau

noun

ˈtau̇ 

ˈtȯ

: the 19th letter of the Greek alphabet

—Τ or τ

Medical Definition

tau

noun

ˈtau̇  ˈtȯ 

: a protein that binds to and regulates the assembly and stability of neuronal microtubules and that is found in an abnormal form as the major component of neurofibrillary tangles

called also tau protein