nephropathy

noun

ne·​phrop·​a·​thy ni-ˈfrä-pə-thē How to pronounce nephropathy (audio)
plural nephropathies
: an abnormal state of the kidney
especially : one associated with or secondary to some other pathological process
nephropathic adjective

Examples of nephropathy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
IgA nephropathy can shorten life expectancy by 10 years on average. Health, 27 Sep. 2025 Key Takeaways IgA nephropathy is a progressive disease where immune proteins damage the kidneys' filtering units. Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2025 The researchers also looked at the presence of nephropathy and retinopathy as indicators of microvascular disease. New Atlas, 14 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

circa 1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nephropathy was circa 1900

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Cite this Entry

“Nephropathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nephropathy. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

nephropathy

noun
ne·​phrop·​a·​thy ni-ˈfräp-ə-thē How to pronounce nephropathy (audio)
plural nephropathies
: an abnormal state of the kidney
especially : one associated with or secondary to some other pathological process
nephropathic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on nephropathy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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