encephalopathy

noun

en·​ceph·​a·​lop·​a·​thy in-ˌse-fə-ˈlä-pə-thē How to pronounce encephalopathy (audio)
plural encephalopathies
: a disease of the brain
especially : one involving alterations of brain structure
encephalopathic
in-ˌse-fə-lə-ˈpa-thik How to pronounce encephalopathy (audio)
adjective

Examples of encephalopathy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
He was also diagnosed and treated for acute encephalopathy, Agitation, subdural hematoma, subdural hygroma, and subarachnoid hemorrhage during his 21-day stay, the lawsuit said. — Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 19 July 2024 The condition is called hepatic encephalopathy, a complication of cirrhosis. — Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2024 The cause of death was anoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, a brain injury resulting from lack of blood, after resuscitation from cardiopulmonary arrest, his publicist said. — Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 27 Feb. 2024 After being diagnosed with cardiomyopathy a decade ago, which impairs the heart's ability to pump efficiently, Harwell has suffered medical setbacks including heart failure and acute Wernicke's encephalopathy, which impacts motor functions such as his speech and memory. — Shania Russell, EW.com, 3 Sep. 2023 See All Example Sentences for encephalopathy

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of encephalopathy was in 1866

Phrases Containing encephalopathy

Rhymes for encephalopathy

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Browse Nearby Words

encephalon
encephalopathy
encephalophone
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Cite this Entry

“Encephalopathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encephalopathy. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

encephalopathy

noun
en·​ceph·​a·​lop·​a·​thy in-ˌsef-ə-ˈläp-ə-thē How to pronounce encephalopathy (audio)
plural encephalopathies
: a disease of the brain
especially : one involving alterations of brain structure
encephalopathic
-lə-ˈpath-ik How to pronounce encephalopathy (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on encephalopathy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about encephalopathy

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