noun
encephalopathy
en-seh-fə-LOP-ə-thee
Encephalopathy (noun) means a disease or disorder that affects the structure or function of the brain. Example: “The patient was diagnosed with hepatic encephalopathy caused by liver failure.”
noun
1
medical A disease or disorder that affects the structure or function of the brain.
"The patient was diagnosed with hepatic encephalopathy caused by liver failure."
"Doctors monitored her for signs of encephalopathy after the head injury."
"Encephalopathy can range from mild confusion to severe brain damage."
How to use encephalopathy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA general medical term for a condition that affects how the brain works.
When to use it
It is a formal medical term used mainly by doctors and in clinical contexts.
Memory tip
Encephalopathy is a broad umbrella term; encephalitis is just one specific cause of it.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
hepatic encephalopathy
signs of encephalopathy
diagnosed with encephalopathy
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The patient was diagnosed with hepatic _____ caused by liver failure.
Etymology
Encephalopathy is built from encephalo-, relating to the brain, and the suffix -pathy, meaning disease.
Synonyms
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encephalosis
Rhymes for encephalopathy
See all rhymes for encephalopathy →Frequently asked questions
What is encephalopathy?
It is a medical term for any disease or disorder affecting the brain.
What are the symptoms of encephalopathy?
They vary widely because the term covers many different brain conditions.
Is encephalopathy the same as encephalitis?
No, encephalitis is one specific condition that falls under the broader term encephalopathy.
What is the meaning of encephalopathy?
"encephalopathy" (noun) means a disease or disorder that affects the structure or function of the brain.
