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

These conditions are driven by harmful buildups in the brain made of misfolded amyloid proteins.

From Science Daily

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified a natural process in the brain that can remove existing amyloid plaques in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease while also helping preserve memory and thinking ability.

From Science Daily

Even so, the results present strong proof of concept that basic nutritional or pharmacological supplementation could reduce amyloid pathology and improve neurological health.

From Science Daily

These plaques form when amyloid peptide fragments accumulate between neurons, triggering inflammation and interfering with communication between brain cells.

From Science Daily

These specialized microglia also slow the buildup of amyloid plaques and the spread of toxic tau proteins, which are both major hallmarks of Alzheimer's.

From Science Daily