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.

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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

See Examples For:

CTE

Helmets became a matter of keen public interest 20 years ago, after researchers linked football-related head trauma with the brain disease known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 13, 2026

The CTE problem has been known for years, but enthusiasm for the game has grown.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 9, 2026

"Together, these findings indicate that NFL players have a higher prevalence of CTE at death than has been previously shown in multiple community based studies," wrote the authors.

From Barron's ● Aug. 25, 2026

Researchers calculated a "conservative minimum" of CTE prevalence among those who died in the six-year period to be 24.5% - rising to a "maximum" 97.7%.

From BBC ● Aug. 25, 2026

According to the Mayo Clinic, CTE cannot be diagnosed definitively during life.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 30, 2026