TOP

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

prion

noun
 
/ˈpriːɒn/
 
/ˈpriːɑːn/
(biology)
jump to other results
  1. 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).
See prion in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary
Check pronunciation: prion

Nearby words

influence
verb
 
 
From the Word list
OPAL spoken words
Oxford Learner's Dictionaries Word of the Day