Definition

A medical condition characterized by inflammation of the brain, which can cause various symptoms such as fever, headache, and confusion.

Example

The patient was diagnosed with encephalitis after experiencing severe headaches and fever.

Conversation

Have you heard about that recent case of encephalitis in the news?

Yeah, it's pretty concerning how it affects the brain.

I read that it's caused by various infections; that's so scary!

It really is; we should stay updated on the symptoms.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Encephalitis → It is formed from "en-" (meaning in or within), "kephalē" (Greek for head), and "-itis" (meaning inflammation). The word describes inflammation occurring within the head, specifically the brain.

Memory Tip

Think of inflammation happening 'within' ('en-') the 'head' ('kephalē') — that's what encephalitis means.

Visually Confused Words