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.

---

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

---

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.

---

1. Starchlike.

Etymology

Origin of amyloid

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

Example Sentences

AstraZeneca expects to release data from a transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy late-stage study for Wainua—which is already approved in the U.S. for a related disease—in the second half of the year.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

Based on these results, the researchers conclude that continuing to focus on removing amyloid beta is unlikely to lead to major improvements for patients.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

Even so, the findings provide strong early evidence that simple nutritional or pharmacological approaches may help reduce amyloid buildup and improve brain function.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

And while the researchers looked at 17 different medical studies, only two of those related specifically to Leqembi and Kisunla; the others related to other drugs that targeted amyloid clusters.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 18, 2026

The albuminate was called amyloid by Virchow in consequence of its color-reaction with iodine.

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