encephalitis

[ en-sef-uh-lahy-tis ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. inflammation of the substance of the brain.
2. Also called encephalitis le·thargi·ca [li-, thahr, -ji-k, uh]. a form of this condition, caused by a filterable virus and characterized by apathy and abnormal sleepiness; sleeping sickness.

encephalitis

/ ˌɛnkɛf-; ˌɛnsɛfəˈlaɪtɪs; ˌɛnsɛfəˈlɪtɪk /

noun

1. inflammation of the brain

encephalitis

/ ĕn-sĕf′ə-lī′tĭs /

1. Inflammation of the brain, usually caused by infection with a virus.

encephalitis

1. An inflammation of the brain . Encephalitis may be caused by a virus or lead poisoning, or it may be a complication of another disease, such as influenza or measles . Encephalitis can cause permanent brain damage or death. It is also possible, however, to recover from it completely.

Derived Forms

• encephalitic, adjective

Other Words From

• en·ceph·a·lit·ic [en-sef-, uh, -, lit, -ik], adjective
• posten·cepha·litic adjective
• pseudo·en·cepha·litic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of encephalitis¹

First recorded in 1835–45; encephal- + -itis

Example Sentences

Ten communities in Massachusetts are now designated at high or critical risk for eastern equine encephalitis, or EEE, that spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito, officials say.

From BBC

“He underwent emergency surgery that saved his leg and life but faced severe complications, including sepsis and encephalitis,” she wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

The infections may cause upper respiratory tract infections that can be fatal, as well as conjunctivitis, gastrointestinal symptoms, encephalitis and encephalopathy, the WHO says.

From Los Angeles Times

Claire Michelle said it brought her a lot of comfort thinking about them as she pumped, especially those at risk of necrotising encephalitis, which kills premature babies and human milk can help prevent that.

From BBC

Like other autoimmune diseases, which include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and lupus, these autoimmune brain inflammations, or encephalitides, arise when antibodies turn against the body.

From Science Magazine