amyloid

[ am-uh-loid ]

noun

1. Biochemistry. a waxy, translucent substance, composed primarily of protein fibers, that is deposited in various organs of animals in certain diseases.
2. a nonnitrogenous food consisting especially of starch.

adjective

1. Also am·y·loi·dal []. of, resembling, or containing amylum.

amyloid

/ ˈæmɪˌlɔɪd /

noun

1. pathol a complex protein resembling starch, deposited in tissues in some degenerative diseases
2. any substance resembling starch

adjective

1. starchlike

amyloid

/ ăm′ə-loid′ /

Noun

1. A hard waxy substance consisting of protein and polysaccharides that results from the degeneration of tissue and is deposited in organs or tissues of the body in various chronic diseases.

Adjective

1. Starchlike.

Word History and Origins

Origin of amyloid¹

First recorded in 1855–60; amyl- + -oid

Example Sentences

It works by clearing a sticky protein from the brain - called amyloid - which is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's.

From BBC

She’s afraid that if we do find out that amyloid is lurking in my brain, with no immediate means of removing it, the knowing will affect our present, not just our future.

From BBC

For Alzheimer’s disease they have been designed to target a sticky protein – called amyloid - that gunges up the gaps between brain cells.

From BBC

In order to assess a patient’s eligibility for lecanemab they have to have the levels of amyloid in their brain measured.

From BBC

For years researchers had tried to improve Alzheimer’s outcomes by stripping amyloid proteins from the brain, but the experimental drugs all failed.

From Science Magazine