CTE

American  

[see-tee-ee] / ˈsiˈtiˈi /

abbreviation

1. Also called dementia pugilistica.  chronic traumatic encephalopathy: a progressive degenerative neurological disease caused by repeated cerebral concussion or milder traumatic brain injury and characterized by memory loss, behavioral disturbances, speech problems, slowed movement, etc.

---

Usage

What is CTE? CTE stands for chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated trauma to the head. The disease is especially prevalent among military veterans and professional athletes like American football players. How is CTE pronounced?[ see-tee-ee ]

Etymology

Origin of CTE

First recorded in 1945–50.

Example Sentences

"In postmortem cortex from neuropathologically confirmed CTE cases with a history of repetitive brain injury, the researchers found evidence of disrupted fatty acid balance and broad transcriptional changes affecting vascular and metabolic pathways," Albayram said.

From Science Daily • Apr. 26, 2026

Their experiments focused on a specific scenario, repeated mild brain injury, and used CTE tissue to provide supporting observations rather than direct proof of cause and effect.

From Science Daily • Apr. 26, 2026

Hall of Fame defensive tackle Steve McMichael, a key member of the Super Bowl XX champion Chicago Bears, has been diagnosed posthumously with Stage 3 chronic traumatic encephalopathy, the Concussion & CTE Foundation said Tuesday.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

McMichael’s CTE diagnosis was made by researchers at the Boston University CTE Center, which has found that several other former NFL players suffered from both ALS and CTE.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

The Welsh government said it was not currently working to identify the prevalence of CTE among former players, and was "not aware" of other research.

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026