Pronunciation: ' sp ə n-ji- ˌ fo ̇ rm-
Function: noun
Etymology: spongiform resembling a sponge, from Latin spongia + English -iform
Date: 1960
: 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 ― compare BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY