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.

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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.

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

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Embolism of the cerebral arteries produces softening of the brain, not a hemorrhagic infarction or a yellowish necrosis.

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Those most frequently found are adhesions of the dura mater to the inner surface of the cranium, injection or oedema of the pia mater, congestive oedema, and sometimes softening of the brain and effusion at the base of the brain.

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Related Words

• brain damage 
• mental disorder