SINCE 1828
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
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on spongiform encephalopathy
What made you want to look up spongiform encephalopathy? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Original Meanings Quiz
-
- Which of the following is the earliest known sense of the word awe?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Original Meanings Quiz
A quiz for the pedantic and those annoyed by them!
Take the quiz -
A Green Quiz
How many questions can you answer about the word "green"?
Take the quiz -
True or False?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
Take the quiz -
Add Diction
Build a chain of words by adding one letter at a time.
Play the game
Share spongiform encephalopathy
Resources for spongiform encephalopathy