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

See Examples For:

amyloid

During the earlier stages of the disease process, microglia entered an inflammatory state linked to amyloid plaques.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 26, 2026

A single sleepless night measurably raises amyloid levels in the fluid surrounding the brain.

From BBC ● Jul. 19, 2026

Among the waste products the system clears are proteins called amyloid and tau, the deposits that accumulate in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease.

From BBC ● Jul. 19, 2026

Because the structure is known to deteriorate during aging and neurodegenerative disease, its breakdown could push neurons into a damaging cycle involving greater amyloid production, further structural weakening, and eventual cell death.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 15, 2026

It is to their disturbance of function that the pathological importance of amyloid degeneration is to be especially attributed.

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