# kuru

/ˈkʊɹu/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/kuru
Updated: 2026-09-06

## Definition

a very rare and serious disease of the brain that was found among people in Papua New Guinea. It was caused by eating infected human brain tissue during funeral rituals.

For teachers: a rare, fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by prions, historically prevalent among the Fore people of Papua New Guinea. It is transmitted through the consumption of infected human brain tissue during ritualistic cannibalism.

## Examples

- Scientists studied kuru to understand how prions affect the brain.
- The incidence of kuru declined rapidly after the practice of ritual cannibalism was abandoned in the mid-20th century.
- Research into the transmission of kuru provided the first evidence that neurodegenerative diseases could be caused by infectious proteins rather than conventional viruses or bacteria.

## Usage notes

- Typically used in medical or anthropological contexts.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.