encephalitis

noun

en·​ceph·​a·​li·​tis in-ˌse-fə-ˈlī-təs 

plural encephalitides in-ˌse-fə-ˈli-tə-ˌdēz 

: inflammation of the brain that is caused especially by infection with a virus (such as herpes simplex or West Nile virus) or less commonly by bacterial or fungal infection or autoimmune reaction

Note: Encephalitis may be asymptomatic or present with mild to severe symptoms (such as fever, headache, confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness) sometimes progressing to coma or death.

encephalitic

in-ˌse-fə-ˈli-tik 

adjective

Examples of encephalitis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When young Adeline was diagnosed with encephalitis and fell into a coma for several days, Angle was by her side the entire time, even when Adeline didn’t recognize her family at first. —Kara Nesvig, Peoplemag, 23 June 2024

The infections may cause upper respiratory tract infections that can be fatal, as well as conjunctivitis, gastrointestinal symptoms, encephalitis and encephalopathy, the WHO says. —Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2024

Brain swelling from encephalitis can lead to convulsions, permanent hearing loss, intellectual disability and death. —Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 10 Apr. 2024

In some cases, complications from measles can lead to more serious illnesses, including pneumonia and encephalitis. —John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 22 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing encephalitis

• eastern equine encephalitis
• equine encephalitis
• Powassan encephalitis
• Saint Louis encephalitis
• St. Louis encephalitis
• Venezuelan equine encephalitis
• western equine encephalitis
• West Nile encephalitis

Kids Definition

encephalitis

noun

en·​ceph·​a·​li·​tis in-ˌsef-ə-ˈlīt-əs 

(ˌ)en-

: inflammation of the brain

also : a disease marked by encephalitis

Medical Definition

encephalitis

noun

en·​ceph·​a·​li·​tis in-ˌsef-ə-ˈlīt-əs 

plural encephalitides -ˈlit-ə-ˌdēz 

: inflammation of the brain that is caused especially by infection with a virus (such as herpes simplex, varicella zoster, or West Nile virus) or less commonly by bacterial or fungal infection or autoimmune reaction

Note: Encephalitis may be asymptomatic or present with mild to severe symptoms (such as fever, headache, confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness) sometimes progressing to coma or death.

encephalitic

-ˈlit-ik 

adjective