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