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
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And in people with AD, aerobic exercise has been shown to increase brain function by reducing the accumulation of tau proteins and amyloid plaques (a sign of dementia). Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 12 May 2025 What about the amyloid and tau protein plaques that tend to be found in the brains of people suffering from Alzheimer’s, which have long been thought of as the primary cause of the disease? Bryan Walsh, Vox, 5 Apr. 2025 In addition to improving cognitive function, the compound successfully reduced inflammation and oxidative stress while also clearing proteins associated with amyloid plaques and tau tangles, which are biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease. Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 12 Mar. 2025 The researchers found that the subjects with Alzheimer's were significantly more likely to experience a delay in the onset of REM sleep—alongside having higher levels of the toxic amyloid and tau proteins associated with the condition. Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 27 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 19 May. 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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