leukodystrophy

noun

leu·​ko·​dys·​tro·​phy ˌlü-kō-ˈdi-strə-fē How to pronounce leukodystrophy (audio)
plural leukodystrophies
: any of several genetically determined diseases characterized by progressive degeneration of myelin in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves

Examples of leukodystrophy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Over a decade of caring for Cal, who suffered from a degenerative neurological disease called leukodystrophy, my husband and I became skilled nurses. Maria Kefalas, STAT, 22 Dec. 2023 What is metachromatic leukodystrophy? Priscilla Totiyapungprasert, The Arizona Republic, 5 Sep. 2020 In Europe, a product approved for a deadly neurological disorder known as metachromatic leukodystrophy was given list prices of up to $3.9 million. Stephanie Nolen Dado Galdieri, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2023 The couple’s children were born with metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), which causes muscle weakness, progressive loss of vision and eventual paralysis. Diane Moca, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2022 Metachromatic leukodystrophy, or MLD, is a rare, hereditary disease that leads to premature death. Priscilla Totiyapungprasert, The Arizona Republic, 5 Sep. 2020 Metachromatic leukodystrophy is the result of a genetic mutation, and leads to a breakdown of the protective covering around nerve cells and nerve fibers, known as myelin. Lisa Schencker, chicagotribune.com, 15 Nov. 2019 More recently, Evelyn Chizzo had been diagnosed with leukodystrophy, which is a rare genetic disease that affects the brain and nervous system. Rich Mayor, chicagotribune.com, 5 Oct. 2019 Pennsylvania is one of the few states in the U.S. where someone diagnosed with metachromatic leukodystrophy gets fast-tracked for Medicaid. Maria Kefalas, STAT, 2 Dec. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leukodystrophy was in 1960

Dictionary Entries Near leukodystrophy

Cite this Entry

“Leukodystrophy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leukodystrophy. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

leukodystrophy

noun
leu·​ko·​dys·​tro·​phy
variants or chiefly British leucodystrophy
plural leukodystrophies
: any of several inherited diseases (as adrenoleukodystrophy) characterized by progressive degeneration of myelin in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves
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