Amyloid - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Amyloid refers to an abnormal protein that can accumulate in tissues and organs, often linked to diseases like Alzheimer's. It forms insoluble fibrils that disrupt normal cellular functions.
Definition:
A waxy protein substance abnormally deposited in tissues, associated with diseases like Alzheimer's.
Synonyms:
amyloidosis, proteinaceous, fibrillar, pathological deposit
Part of Speech:
noun, adjective
Antonyms:
healthy tissue, normal protein
Common Collocations:
amyloid plaques, amyloid deposits, amyloid fibrils, amyloid pathology
Derivatives:
amyloidosis, amyloidogenic, amyloidal
Usage Tips:
Use "amyloid" to describe abnormal protein deposits in medical contexts, especially neurodegenerative diseases.
Common Phrases:
amyloid beta peptide, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, senile plaques
Etymology:
From Latin "amylum" (starch) + Greek "-oeidēs" (resembling), due to starch-like staining properties.
Examples:
- 1. The doctor identified amyloid deposits in the brain scan.
- 2. Amyloid plaques are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.
- 3. Researchers study amyloid proteins to understand neurodegenerative disorders.
- 4. The patient's symptoms suggested possible amyloidosis.