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Definition of prion noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

prion

noun

/ˈpriːɒn/

/ˈpriːɑːn/

(biology)

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a very small unit of protein that is believed to be the cause of brain diseases such as BSE, CJD and scrapie
Word Origin1980s: by rearrangement of elements from pro(teinaceous) in(fectious particle).

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See prion in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

Check pronunciation: prion

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