encephalitis
nounUK /enˌsefəˈlaɪtɪs/
US /enˌsefəˈlaɪtɪs/
A sickness that makes the brain swell up and hurt.
The doctor said the boy had encephalitis and needed to stay in the hospital.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Inflammation of the brain caused by a viral or bacterial infection, often with fever and headache.
Viral encephalitis can follow a mosquito bite in some regions.
3. A medical condition in which brain tissue becomes irritated and swollen, sometimes leading to confusion or seizures.
Severe encephalitis may cause drowsiness and seizures.
4. Any disorder marked by swelling of the brain, whether from infection, immune reaction, or toxin.
Autoimmune encephalitis happens when the body's defenses attack the brain.