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

For years, his research had focused on the mechanisms behind polycystic kidney disease (PKD). —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2024

There's no cure for polycystic kidney disease. —Hallie Levine, Health.com, 19 Nov. 2021

At the time, Welsh had been diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease, which causes one's kidneys to enlarge and lose function over time, according to Mayo Clinic. —Jason Hahn, Peoplemag, 8 Feb. 2023

His diagnosis was polycystic kidney disease, a genetic disorder with no cure. —Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 20 Nov. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

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