leukodystrophy
noun
leu·ko·dys·tro·phy
ˌlü-kō-ˈdi-strə-fē 
plural leukodystrophies
: any of several genetically determined diseases characterized by progressive degeneration of myelin in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves
Examples of leukodystrophy in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The advisory committee was set to vote on May 9 whether to recommend adding two rare genetic diseases to the panel: metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
—
Alana Semuels, Time, 17 Apr. 2025
Over a decade of caring for Cal, who suffered from a degenerative neurological disease called leukodystrophy, my husband and I became skilled nurses.
—Maria Kefalas, STAT, 22 Dec. 2023
What is metachromatic leukodystrophy?
—Priscilla Totiyapungprasert, The Arizona Republic, 5 Sep. 2020
In Europe, a product approved for a deadly neurological disorder known as metachromatic leukodystrophy was given list prices of up to $3.9 million.
—Stephanie Nolen Dado Galdieri, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2023
The couple’s children were born with metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), which causes muscle weakness, progressive loss of vision and eventual paralysis.
—Diane Moca, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2022
Metachromatic leukodystrophy, or MLD, is a rare, hereditary disease that leads to premature death.
—Priscilla Totiyapungprasert, The Arizona Republic, 5 Sep. 2020
Metachromatic leukodystrophy is the result of a genetic mutation, and leads to a breakdown of the protective covering around nerve cells and nerve fibers, known as myelin.
—Lisa Schencker, chicagotribune.com, 15 Nov. 2019
More recently, Evelyn Chizzo had been diagnosed with leukodystrophy, which is a rare genetic disease that affects the brain and nervous system.
—Rich Mayor, chicagotribune.com, 5 Oct. 2019
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Alana Semuels, Time, 17 Apr. 2025
Over a decade of caring for Cal, who suffered from a degenerative neurological disease called leukodystrophy, my husband and I became skilled nurses.
—Maria Kefalas, STAT, 22 Dec. 2023
What is metachromatic leukodystrophy?
—Priscilla Totiyapungprasert, The Arizona Republic, 5 Sep. 2020
In Europe, a product approved for a deadly neurological disorder known as metachromatic leukodystrophy was given list prices of up to $3.9 million.
—Stephanie Nolen Dado Galdieri, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2023
The couple’s children were born with metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), which causes muscle weakness, progressive loss of vision and eventual paralysis.
—Diane Moca, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2022
Metachromatic leukodystrophy, or MLD, is a rare, hereditary disease that leads to premature death.
—Priscilla Totiyapungprasert, The Arizona Republic, 5 Sep. 2020
Metachromatic leukodystrophy is the result of a genetic mutation, and leads to a breakdown of the protective covering around nerve cells and nerve fibers, known as myelin.
—Lisa Schencker, chicagotribune.com, 15 Nov. 2019
More recently, Evelyn Chizzo had been diagnosed with leukodystrophy, which is a rare genetic disease that affects the brain and nervous system.
—Rich Mayor, chicagotribune.com, 5 Oct. 2019
Cite this Entry
“Leukodystrophy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leukodystrophy. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
leukodystrophy
noun
leu·ko·dys·tro·phy
variants
or chiefly British leucodystrophy
plural leukodystrophies
: any of several inherited diseases (as adrenoleukodystrophy) characterized by progressive degeneration of myelin in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves
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