softening of the brain

noun

Pathology.

1. a softening of the cerebrum, caused by impairment of the blood supply; encephalomalacia.

2. Informal.,  dementia associated with general paresis.

softening of the brain

noun

1. an abnormal softening of the tissues of the cerebrum characterized by various degrees of mental impairment

Word History and Origins

Origin of softening of the brain¹

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

Nietzsche’s father died early, from “softening of the brain,” after suffering years of debilitating headaches and periodic muteness.

From New York Times

Some of the Effects.—It is now known that paresis, also termed general paralysis or softening of the brain, is probably invariably due to syphilis.

From Project Gutenberg

General paresis or softening of the brain is probably invariably preceded by syphilis.

From Project Gutenberg

Meningitis has occurred, produced by extension of the inflammation through the thin bony septum which divides the tympanum from the cranial cavity, and at the autopsy hyper�mia of the meninges, fibrin, pus, perhaps softening of the brain and an abscess, are formed in the portion of the encephalon adjacent to the tympanum.

From Project Gutenberg

Very rarely a slight film of hemorrhage has been found in the cavity of the arachnoid, and sometimes also the evidences of non-inflammatory softening of the brain.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• brain damage 
• mental disorder