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

Whitson also notes that brain changes like amyloid and tau buildup can begin years before symptoms appear, underscoring the importance of early prevention. —David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Nov. 2025

Both work by attacking the buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain and can slow disease progression by up to 30% for people with mild-to-moderate disease. —Alice Park, Time, 24 Nov. 2025

One 75-year-old woman in the study who carried the genetic variant and had high amyloid buildup faced more than an 80% lifetime risk of developing MCI — a transitional stage between normal aging and dementia that can still allow for independent living. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 13 Nov. 2025

Because women have stronger immune systems than men, it’s thought that this contributes to the development of the amyloid plaques in the brain that are associated with Alzheimer’s. —Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 7 Nov. 2025

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