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spongiform encephalopathy

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

Definition of spongiform encephalopathy

  1. :  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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Origin and Etymology of spongiform encephalopathy

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


First Known Use: 1960

Medical Dictionary

spongiform encephalopathy

noun spon·gi·form encephalopathy

Medical Definition of spongiform encephalopathy

  1. :  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

Learn More about spongiform encephalopathy

  1. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spongiform encephalopathy

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