chronic wasting disease

noun

veterinary medicine
: a progressive, fatal prion disease of deer, elk, and moose that is characterized by weight loss, tremors, lack of coordination, drooling, excessive thirst, and listlessness
Since it was first identified two decades ago in deer in Colorado, chronic wasting disease has spread to a dozen states (including New York) and two Canadian provinces.Sandra Blakeslee
Scientists have identified a handful of diseases caused by misfolded proteins called prions, including mad cow disease, scrapie in sheep, and chronic wasting disease in deer and elk.Nathan Seppa
abbreviation CWD

Examples of chronic wasting disease in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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It's been more than three years since the first case of chronic wasting disease popped up on Robert Williams' ranch in Hunt County. Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 5 June 2024 In an abundance of caution to prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease, 12 states prohibit the use of natural deer urine and permit only synthetic scents. Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 7 Nov. 2024 Generation of human chronic wasting disease in transgenic mice CWD-Info.org. Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 5 Nov. 2024 The letter also notes that lions help curb the spread among ungulates of chronic wasting disease, a highly contagious prion disease, by removing sick animals. Byhannah Richter, science.org, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for chronic wasting disease 

Word History

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chronic wasting disease was in 1980

Dictionary Entries Near chronic wasting disease

Cite this Entry

“Chronic wasting disease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chronic%20wasting%20disease. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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