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

In Alzheimer’s disease, for example, people with more cognitive reserve often delay the onset of symptoms despite the presence of the amyloid and tau, two proteins that are the hallmark signs of the neurological disorder. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026

The infection also boosted the production and accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques. —New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2026

When activated, those cells begin clearing away existing amyloid plaques, a process that was associated with reduced plaque buildup and improved cognitive function, the study found. —Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 3 Feb. 2026

Insulin resistance — when the body doesn’t respond as well to the hormone that escorts blood sugar to cells — is also linked to a buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain, a marker of Alzheimer’s disease, Dr. Devons adds. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 16 Jan. 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
• anthropoid
• arachnoid
• asteroid
• benzenoid
• carcinoid
• celluloid
• coronoid
• humanoid

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