amyloid

American  

[am-uh-loid] / ˈæm əˌlɔɪd /

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.

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adjective

1. Also amyloidal of, resembling, or containing amylum.

amyloid British  

/ ˈæmɪˌlɔɪd /

noun

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

2. any substance resembling starch

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adjective

1. starchlike

amyloid Scientific  

/ ăm′ə-loid′ /

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.

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1. Starchlike.

Etymology

Origin of amyloid

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

Example Sentences

The drugs attack a sticky gunk – called beta amyloid – that builds up in the spaces between brain cells in Alzheimer's disease.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Antibodies – similar to those the body makes to attack viruses or bacteria – have been engineered to spot the amyloid and clear it from the brain.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

The research team says all the drugs they reviewed remove amyloid from the brain so their analysis tells you if that approach works.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

One part binds to a specific target such as amyloid plaques, while the other part, the Fc fragment, signals the immune system.

From Science Daily • Mar. 17, 2026

In amyloid degeneration there is the transformation of the cell-protoplasm into an albuminous material different from other albuminates found in the body.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various