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

The study also used gold-standard amyloid positron emission tomography, or PET, scans to verify the presence of amyloid and tau in the brains of study participants, and magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, to measure levels of visceral fat that occur when waistlines expand. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 2 Dec. 2024

The trauma or force also causes inflammation and stores a protein called tau in different parts of the brain, which can damage your brain tissues.2 Traumatic brain injuries, like concussions, are the most common cause of CTE. —Janelle McSwiggin, Msn, Health, 29 Nov. 2024

The samples included both tau in blood and amyloid-beta, detected by PET scans or spinal taps. —Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY, 28 July 2024

One key protein known to build up in the brain cells of Alzheimer's patients is called tau. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 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