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

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

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

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for polycystic kidney disease

• abcs
• absentees
• addressees
• adoptees
• allottees
• amputees
• antifreeze
• appellees
• appointees
• arrestees
• artistes
• assamese

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