encephalomyelitis

American  

[en-sef-uh-loh-mahy-uh-lahy-tis] / ɛnˌsɛf ə loʊˌmaɪ əˈlaɪ tɪs /

noun

Pathology.

1. inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

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encephalomyelitis British  

/ ɛnˌsɛfələʊˌmaɪəˈlɪtɪk, ɛnˌsɛfələʊˌmaɪəˈlaɪtɪs /

noun

1. acute inflammation of the brain and spinal cord

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Other Word Forms

• encephalomyelitic adjective

Etymology

Origin of encephalomyelitis

First recorded in 1905–10; encephalo- + myelitis

Example Sentences

But they did pick up something that hadn’t been discussed before: a link between AstraZeneca's viral-vector vaccine and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, a rare condition that causes inflammation and swelling in the brain and spinal cord.

From Salon • Feb. 23, 2024

Participants were asked if a doctor or other health-care professional had ever told them they had myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome, and whether they still have it.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 7, 2023

“It is essential to treat this disease seriously,” wrote Betty Scott, a doctor who had worked with myalgic encephalomyelitis patients.

From Slate • Jun. 26, 2023

When Charlie was transferred, he was assessed as having the rare autoimmune disease acute disseminated encephalomyelitis.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2023

Two cases of encephalomyelitis — inflammation in the brain and spinal cord — have been reported, both in previously healthy gay men in their 30s.

From New York Times • Sep. 26, 2022