[en-sef-uh-lahy-tis] 
| 1. | inflammation of the substance of the brain. |
| 2. | Also called encephali⋅tis le⋅thar⋅gi⋅ca [li-thahr-ji-kuh] . a form of this condition, caused by a filterable virus and characterized by apathy and abnormal sleepiness; sleeping sickness. |
| en·ceph·a·li·tis (ěn-sěf'ə-lī'tĭs) n. Inflammation of the brain. en·ceph'a·lit'ic (-lĭt'ĭk) adj. |
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.
encephalitis en·ceph·a·li·tis (ěn-sěf'ə-lī'tĭs)
n. pl. en·ceph·a·lit·i·des (-lĭt'ĭ-dēz)
Inflammation of the brain. Also called cephalitis.
əˈlaɪ