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

Recent Examples of spongiform encephalopathy from 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.

Origin and Etymology of spongiform encephalopathy

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1960

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

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

Learn More about spongiform encephalopathy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spongiform encephalopathy

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spongiform encephalopathy

Spongiidae

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