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 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

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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Dictionary Entries near spongiform encephalopathy

spongicolous

Spongida

Spongidae

spongiform encephalopathy

Spongiidae

Spongilla

spongilla fly

Statistics for spongiform encephalopathy

Cite this Entry

“Spongiform encephalopathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spongiform%20encephalopathy. Accessed 27 Feb. 2021.

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