polycystic kidney disease

noun

: either of two hereditary diseases characterized by gradually enlarging bilateral cysts of the kidney which lead to reduced renal functioning or renal failure

Examples of polycystic kidney disease 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.
During a pair of autopsies to investigate a traffic accident, for example, a 45-year-old man who had been asymptomatic during his life presented evidence of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease — a condition that a child has a 50-50 risk of inheriting. Lauren B. Solberg, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2025 Ask for health screenings for common genetic conditions like polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Scott Travers, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024 Other conditions that can cause kidney failure include polycystic kidney disease, glomerulonephritis, and kidney infections. Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 30 Sep. 2024 For years, his research had focused on the mechanisms behind polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2024 See All Example Sentences for polycystic kidney disease

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polycystic kidney disease was in 1948

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Cite this Entry

“Polycystic kidney disease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polycystic%20kidney%20disease. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

Medical Definition

polycystic kidney disease

noun
: either of two hereditary diseases characterized by gradually enlarging bilateral cysts of the kidney which lead to reduced renal functioning:
a
: a disease that is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait, is usually asymptomatic until middle age, and is marked by side or back pain, hematuria, urinary tract infections, and nephrolithiasis
b
: a disease that is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait, usually affects infants or children, and results in renal failure
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