nephropathy

noun

ne·​phrop·​a·​thy ni-ˈfrä-pə-thē How to pronounce nephropathy (audio)
plural nephropathies
: an abnormal state of the kidney
especially : one associated with or secondary to some other pathological process
nephropathic
ˌne-frə-ˈpa-thik How to pronounce nephropathy (audio)
adjective

Examples of nephropathy in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Diabetic nephropathy causes the deterioration of kidney function and eventual failure; diabetic retinopathy can lead to vision loss and blindness. — New Atlas, 14 July 2024 This happens in about 30% of adults who have had IgA nephropathy for 20 or more years. — Mark Gurarie, Health, 30 Sep. 2024

Word History

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First Known Use

circa 1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nephropathy was circa 1900

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“Nephropathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nephropathy. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

nephropathy

noun
ne·​phrop·​a·​thy ni-ˈfräp-ə-thē How to pronounce nephropathy (audio)
plural nephropathies
: an abnormal state of the kidney
especially : one associated with or secondary to some other pathological process
nephropathic
ˌnef-rə-ˈpath-ik How to pronounce nephropathy (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on nephropathy

Nglish: Translation of nephropathy for Spanish Speakers

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