ˈspənjəˌfȯrm- noun
Etymology: spongiform resembling a sponge, from spongi- + -form
: any of a group of degenerative diseases of the brain that are characterized by development of brain tissue having a structure like that of a porous sponge and by deterioration in neurological functioning — see bovine spongiform encephalopathy herein transmissible spongiform encephalopathy herein