spongiform encephalopathy

noun

spon·gi·form encephalopathy | \ ˈspən-ji-ˌfȯrm-

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 included bacterial diseases like bovine tuberculosis and Q fever, viral diseases like Nipah virus and H5N1 avian influenza, and prion diseases like Bovine spongiform encephalopathy. — John Drake, Forbes, 12 Oct. 2021 These spongiform encephalopathies serve as a negative selection pressure against cannibalism. — National Geographic, 19 Feb. 2017 By consuming meat from these cows, the spongiform encephalopathy disease was transmitted to humans. — National Geographic, 19 Feb. 2017

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

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Cite this Entry

“Spongiform encephalopathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spongiform%20encephalopathy. Accessed 6 Jul. 2022.

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