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spongiform encephalopathy

noun
spon·​gi·​form encephalopathy | \ ˈspən-ji-ˌfȯrm- How to pronounce spongiform encephalopathy (audio) \

Definition of spongiform encephalopathy

: any of various degenerative diseases of the brain characterized by the development of porous spongelike lesions in brain tissue and by deterioration in neurological functioning specifically : prion disease

Examples of spongiform encephalopathy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 These spongiform encephalopathies serve as a negative selection pressure against cannibalism. — National Geographic, "Cannibalism—the Ultimate Taboo—Is Surprisingly Common," 19 Feb. 2017 By consuming meat from these cows, the spongiform encephalopathy disease was transmitted to humans. — National Geographic, "Cannibalism—the Ultimate Taboo—Is Surprisingly Common," 19 Feb. 2017

First Known Use of spongiform encephalopathy

1960, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for spongiform encephalopathy

spongiform resembling a sponge, from Latin spongia + English -iform

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More Definitions for spongiform encephalopathy

spongiform encephalopathy

noun

Medical Definition of spongiform encephalopathy

: any of various degenerative diseases of the brain characterized by the development of porous spongelike lesions in brain tissue and by deterioration in neurological functioning specifically : prion disease

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