What does meninges mean?
The meninges are the three protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord: the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater. Together, they form a layered covering that supports the central nervous system and helps protect delicate neural tissue. The word is most often encountered in medical discussions of infection, inflammation, and disease. For example, meningitis is inflammation of the meninges, while a meningeal tumour arises from one of these membranes. The term is also notable as a plural noun whose singular is meninx. Its imagery is anatomical and literal: it refers not to a single covering but to the collective system of membranes enclosing a vital part of the body.
nounThe plural of meninx: the three protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. These are the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.
- The three membranes that enclose and protect the brain and spinal cord.
"Inflammation of the meninges can cause severe headache, neck stiffness, and other neurological symptoms."
"The meninges provide layers of protection around the central nervous system."
"A severe infection can spread to the meninges and cause meningitis."
The standard plural is already the headword; the singular form is meninx.
"The meninges were inflamed, a condition known as meningitis."
The word meninges is already plural: its singular is meninx, a reference to one protective membrane surrounding the brain or spinal cord.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does meninges come from?
The word comes from Latin meninges, plural of the Latin meninx, meaning “membrane,” which in turn derives from Greek mēninx, also meaning “membrane.” The related English forms meningeal and meningitis preserve the same root. The anatomical sense developed through medical usage referring collectively to the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Related word forms
How meninges is actually used
Usually used in medical and anatomical contexts. It is a plural noun, with meninx as its singular; the adjective form is meningeal.
Easily confused with meninges
Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges, whereas the meninges are the membranes themselves.