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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.

First Known Use of spongiform encephalopathy

1960, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for spongiform encephalopathy

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

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Dictionary Entries near spongiform encephalopathy

spongicolous

Spongida

Spongidae

spongiform encephalopathy

Spongiidae

Spongilla

spongilla fly

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Time Traveler for spongiform encephalopathy

The first known use of spongiform encephalopathy was in 1960

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More Definitions for spongiform encephalopathy

spongiform encephalopathy

noun

Medical 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

More from Merriam-Webster on spongiform encephalopathy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spongiform encephalopathy

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