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

Some sisters had significant amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles at autopsy yet never developed dementia during their lives. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026

Not everyone with high levels of amyloid will progress to dementia, just as having tau in the brain does not dictate cognitive impairment later in life, Buckley said. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 15 July 2026

Many scientists believe that amyloid buildup eventually triggers an abnormal form of tau to form tangles in neurons, setting off symptoms. — Lauran Neergaard, Fortune, 14 July 2026

Previous research suggested caffeine may help reduce the buildup of amyloid-beta, a protein linked to Alzheimer's disease. — Lauren Pastrana, CBS News, 29 June 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