Answer
Amyloid degeneration, also known as amyloidosis, is a progressive disease that involves the abnormal deposition of protein fibers in various tissues and organs of the body. The disease was first described by Rudolf Virchow in 1854, who coined the term "amyloid" from the Greek word "ἀμυλός", meaning "starch". Amyloidosis is a heterogeneous disorder that can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic mutations, infections, and exposure to toxins.