‖ cephalitisMed.|sɛfəˈlaɪtɪs| [f.Gr. κεϕαλή + -itis.] ‘Inflammation of the brain and its membranes; all inflammatory conditions of the central nervous system’ (Syd. Soc.Lex.). 1811Hooper Med.Dict.1888F. Vachet Infanticide 4 Deaths..ascribed to convulsions, cephalitis, meningitis.