misfold

verb mis·fold \ ˌmis-ˈfōld \

|Updated on: 15 May 2018

Definition of misfold

intransitive verb

of a protein

: to fold into an incorrect three-dimensional shape that is typically nonfunctional and often resistant to breakdown

Prions force proteins to misfold throughout the nervous system and bone marrow, eventually ravaging the brain and crippling the afflicted cow.
—Cathy Booth Thomas

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misfolded

play \ˌmis-ˈfōl-dəd\ adjective

- Scientists have identified a handful of diseases caused by misfolded proteins called prions …
- —Nathan Seppa

Recent Examples of misfold from the Web

The scientists used a technique called protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) to test for the presence of CWD prions in soil and water taken from mineral licks in south-central Wisconsin.

— paul a. smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "UW researchers verify chronic wasting disease prions at mineral lick sites," 2 May 2018
Sometime in the next year, Gandy’s team hopes to have the tau-positive patients from its imaging study participate in a small clinical trial of a new medication that has shown the ability to repair and clear out misfolded tau in animals.

— patrick hruby, The Atlantic, "The Future of Detecting Brain Damage in Football," 21 Sep. 2017
But prions are misfolded in sections, taking on a flat shape rather than the normal spiraling pattern.

— mark johnson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "In tracking a lethal family of diseases that threatens humans and animals, scientists have become the hunters," 6 July 2017
In which book was a puffy, misfolded map found on a workbench?

— andrea mills, Orange County Register, "In Our Schools: Officials help school children read with America," 8 Mar. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'misfold.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of misfold

1971

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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Medical Dictionary

misfold

transitive verb mis·fold \ ˌmis-ˈfōld \

medical Definition of misfold

misfolded; misfolding

of a protein

: to fold into an incorrect three-dimensional shape that is typically nonfunctional and often resistant to breakdown

The abnormal prions induce normal prion proteins to misfold, and eventually the brain develops spongelike holes.
—Bette Hileman, Chemical & Engineering News, 5 Jan. 2004

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misfolded

adjective

- These findings may help researchers develop new treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other kinds of neurodegenerative disorders associated with an accumulation of misfolded proteins in cells.
- —Alison McCook, Scientific American, April 2001