leukodystrophy
noun
leu·ko·dys·tro·phy
ˌlü-kō-ˈdi-strə-fē 
plural leukodystrophies
: any of several genetically determined diseases characterized by progressive degeneration of myelin in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves
Examples of leukodystrophy in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The 16-month-old was diagnosed with leukodystrophy, which impacts the development of his brain and body movement.
—
Kayla Grant,
PEOPLE,
10 June 2026
Over a decade of caring for Cal, who suffered from a degenerative neurological disease called leukodystrophy, my husband and I became skilled nurses.
—
Maria Kefalas,
STAT,
22 Dec. 2023
Metachromatic leukodystrophy, or MLD, is a rare, hereditary disease that leads to premature death.
—
Priscilla Totiyapungprasert,
The Arizona Republic,
5 Sep. 2020
Metachromatic leukodystrophy is the result of a genetic mutation, and leads to a breakdown of the protective covering around nerve cells and nerve fibers, known as myelin.
—
Lisa Schencker,
chicagotribune.com,
15 Nov. 2019
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Kayla Grant,
PEOPLE,
10 June 2026
Over a decade of caring for Cal, who suffered from a degenerative neurological disease called leukodystrophy, my husband and I became skilled nurses.
—
Maria Kefalas,
STAT,
22 Dec. 2023
Metachromatic leukodystrophy, or MLD, is a rare, hereditary disease that leads to premature death.
—
Priscilla Totiyapungprasert,
The Arizona Republic,
5 Sep. 2020
Metachromatic leukodystrophy is the result of a genetic mutation, and leads to a breakdown of the protective covering around nerve cells and nerve fibers, known as myelin.
—
Lisa Schencker,
chicagotribune.com,
15 Nov. 2019
Cite this Entry
“Leukodystrophy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leukodystrophy. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
leukodystrophy
noun
leu·ko·dys·tro·phy
variants
or chiefly British leucodystrophy
plural leukodystrophies
: any of several inherited diseases (as adrenoleukodystrophy) characterized by progressive degeneration of myelin in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves
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