amyloid

noun

am·​y·​loid ˈa-mə-ˌlȯid 

: a waxy translucent substance consisting primarily of protein that is deposited in some animal organs and tissues under abnormal conditions (such as Alzheimer's disease) compare beta-amyloid

amyloid adjective

Examples of amyloid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Kisunla is designed to help slow the progression of early symptomatic Alzheimer's by targeting the brain to break up and remove amyloid plaques, which are a hallmark of the disease. — Lauren Pastrana, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026

The proteins escaped from her blood vessels and accumulated in her tissues, forming deposits known as amyloids. — Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 2026

The test measures biomarkers associated with amyloid plaques in the brain and is intended for adults age 55 and older who are already experiencing signs or symptoms of cognitive decline. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 27 July 2026

Sorweid noted that results typically return within a couple of weeks, far faster than a spinal tap or amyloid PET scan, which can take months to schedule. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing amyloid

• amyloid-beta
• amyloid-beta peptide
• amyloid-beta protein
• beta-amyloid
• beta-amyloid peptide
• beta-amyloid protein

Rhymes for amyloid

• adenoid
• alkaloid
• amoeboid
• aneroid
• arachnoid
• asteroid
• benzenoid
• carcinoid
• celluloid
• coronoid
• humanoid
• mongoloid

Medical Definition

amyloid

noun

am·​y·​loid

ˈam-ə-ˌlȯid

1

: a nonnitrogenous starchy food

2

: a waxy translucent substance consisting primarily of protein that is deposited in some animal organs and tissue under abnormal conditions (as in Alzheimer's disease) see beta-amyloid

amyloid adjective