encephalitis

noun

Save Word

en·ceph·a·li·tis | \ in-ˌse-fə-ˈlī-təs

plural encephalitides\ in-ˌse-fə-ˈli-tə-ˌdēz

Definition of encephalitis

: inflammation of the brain that is caused especially by infection with a virus (such as herpes simplex or West Nile virus) or less commonly by bacterial or fungal infection or autoimmune reaction

Note: Encephalitis may be asymptomatic or present with mild to severe symptoms (such as fever, headache, confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness) sometimes progressing to coma or death.

Other Words from encephalitis Example Sentences Phrases Containing encephalitis Learn More About encephalitis

Examples of encephalitis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Bavarian Nordic also makes vaccines for rabies, tick-borne encephalitis and Ebola. — Denise Roland, WSJ, 24 May 2022 This often consists of encephalitis and meningitis, swelling of the brain and inflammation of the fluids and membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, respectively. — William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 23 May 2022 In some cases, the virus can lead to neurological issues, such as infection of the brain (known as encephalitis) or infection of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). — Serena Coady, SELF, 23 Apr. 2022 The virus can also cause serious neurologic problems, like brain inflammation, known as encephalitis, which can be deadly. — Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2022 Known for giving a rash, measles can also result in fevers, coughs and can eventually turn into pneumonia and encephalitis, the swelling of the brain. — Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY, 28 Apr. 2022 West Nile killed 11 people and caused 101 cases of neuroinvasive infections — those linked to serious illness such as meningitis or encephalitis — in Colorado in 2021, the highest numbers in 18 years. — The Salt Lake Tribune, 31 Mar. 2022 Has suffered numerous health problems, including hip replacement surgery, throat surgery and encephalitis. — CNN, 6 Mar. 2022 Two children died from encephalitis, or swelling in their brains. — Brenda Goodman, CNN, 24 Mar. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'encephalitis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Learn More About encephalitis

Dictionary Entries Near encephalitis

-encephalies

encephalitis

encephalitogenic

Statistics for encephalitis

Last Updated

10 Jun 2022

Cite this Entry

“Encephalitis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encephalitis. Accessed 26 Jun. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

More Definitions for encephalitis

encephalitis

noun

en·ceph·a·li·tis | \ in-ˌsef-ə-ˈlīt-əs

plural encephalitides\ -ˈlit-ə-ˌdēz

Medical Definition of encephalitis

: inflammation of the brain that is caused especially by infection with a virus (such as herpes simplex, varicella zoster, or West Nile virus) or less commonly by bacterial or fungal infection or autoimmune reaction

Note: Encephalitis may be asymptomatic or present with mild to severe symptoms (such as fever, headache, confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness) sometimes progressing to coma or death.