encephalitis

[ en-sef-uh-lahy-tis ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. inflammation of the substance of the brain.
2. Also called encephalitis le·thargi·ca [li-, thahr, -ji-k, uh]. a form of this condition, caused by a filterable virus and characterized by apathy and abnormal sleepiness; sleeping sickness.

encephalitis

/ ˌɛnsɛfəˈlaɪtɪs; ˌɛnsɛfəˈlɪtɪk; ˌɛnkɛf- /

noun

1. inflammation of the brain

encephalitis

/ ĕn-sĕf′ə-lī′tĭs /

1. Inflammation of the brain, usually caused by infection with a virus.

encephalitis

1. An inflammation of the brain . Encephalitis may be caused by a virus or lead poisoning, or it may be a complication of another disease, such as influenza or measles . Encephalitis can cause permanent brain damage or death. It is also possible, however, to recover from it completely.

Derived Forms

• encephalitic, adjective

Other Words From

• en·ceph·a·lit·ic [en-sef-, uh, -, lit, -ik], adjective
• posten·cepha·litic adjective
• pseudo·en·cepha·litic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of encephalitis¹

First recorded in 1835–45; encephal- + -itis

Example Sentences

There were also several encephalitis strains, but those are not exactly pleasant phrases.

From Washington Post

It can cause pneumonia and encephalitis, as well as the telltale rash and “measly” feeling of those who are ill.

From The Daily Beast

Purulent lepto-meningitis is usually accompanied by encephalitis.

From Project Gutenberg

In other cases are found the more or less extensive changes produced by meningitis or meningo-encephalitis.

From Project Gutenberg

In encephalitis and myelitis there is an interruption of motor nerve-currents.

From Project Gutenberg