encephalopathy

[ en-sef-uh-lop-uh-thee ]

noun

, Psychiatry.

1. any brain disease.

encephalopathy

/ ɛnˌsɛfəˈlɒpəθɪ /

noun

1. See BSE
   any degenerative disease of the brain, often associated with toxic conditions See also BSE

encephalopathy

/ ĕn-sĕf′ə-lŏp′ə-thē /

1. Degeneration of brain function, caused by any of various acquired disorders, including metabolic disease, organ failure, inflammation, and chronic infection.

Word History and Origins

Origin of encephalopathy¹

First recorded in 1865–70; encephalo- + -pathy

Example Sentences

As digitized voice technology advances, perhaps she will someday be able to discuss “hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy” — one of her diagnoses — even if she cannot physically overcome it.

From ProPublica

Of course the participants of the sport are at higher risk for the cumulative effects of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy.

From The Daily Beast

But in 1830, Tanqueril first definitely described the production of a mental disease, which he called “lead encephalopathy.”

From Project Gutenberg

This view would explain the absence of changes apparent to the eye found in so many of the fatal cases of lead encephalopathy.

From Project Gutenberg