encephalitis

[ en-sef-uh-lahy-tis ]
/ ɛnˌsɛf əˈlaɪ tɪs /

noun Pathology.

inflammation of the substance of the brain.
Also called encephali·tis le·thar·gi·ca [li-thahr-ji-kuh] /lɪˈθɑr dʒɪ kə/. a form of this condition, caused by a filterable virus and characterized by apathy and abnormal sleepiness; sleeping sickness.

Origin of encephalitis

First recorded in 1835–45; encephal- + -itis

OTHER WORDS FROM encephalitis

en·ceph·a·lit·ic [en-sef-uh-lit-ik] /ɛnˌsɛf əˈlɪt ɪk/, adjective post·en·ceph·a·lit·ic, adjective pseu·do·en·ceph·a·lit·ic, adjective

British Dictionary definitions for encephalitis lethargica (1 of 2)

encephalitis lethargica
/ (lɪˈθɑːdʒɪkə) /

noun

pathol a technical name for sleeping sickness (def. 2)

British Dictionary definitions for encephalitis lethargica (2 of 2)

encephalitis
/ (ˌɛnsɛfəˈlaɪtɪs, ˌɛnkɛf-) /

noun

inflammation of the brain

Derived forms of encephalitis

encephalitic (ˌɛnsɛfəˈlɪtɪk), adjective

Medical definitions for encephalitis lethargica (1 of 2)

encephalitis lethargica
[ lə-thärjĭ-kə ]

n.

A viral epidemic encephalitis characterized by apathy, paralysis of an eye muscle, and extreme muscular weakness. sleeping sickness von Economo's disease

Medical definitions for encephalitis lethargica (2 of 2)

encephalitis
[ ĕn-sĕf′ə-lītĭs ]

n. pl. en•ceph•a•lit•i•des (-lĭtĭ-dēz)

Inflammation of the brain. cephalitis

Other words from encephalitis

en•ceph′a•litic (-lĭtĭk) adj.

Scientific definitions for encephalitis lethargica

encephalitis
[ ĕn-sĕf′ə-lītĭs ]

Inflammation of the brain, usually caused by infection with a virus.

Cultural definitions for encephalitis lethargica

encephalitis
[ (en-sef-uh-leye-tis) ]

An inflammation of the brain. Encephalitis may be caused by a virus or lead poisoning, or it may be a complication of another disease, such as influenza or measles. Encephalitis can cause permanent brain damage or death. It is also possible, however, to recover from it completely.