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dura

American  
[door-uh, dyoor-uh] / ˈdʊər ə, ˈdyʊər ə /

noun

  1. dura mater.


Etymology

Origin of dura

First recorded in 1880–85

Explanation

There are three protective layers surrounding your brain and the outermost, toughest one is called the dura. Your entire nervous system is protected in several ways, including the meninges, membranes surrounding your brain and spinal cord. The dura is particularly important because it keeps the fluid that cushions your brain in place. An injury to the dura means the possibility that this fluid might leak. An injury known as a subdural hematoma is almost like a bruise that occurs just beneath the dura. In Latin, dura means "hard or thick."

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

These links may allow waste fluid to leave the brain while also exposing the brain to immune cells and other signals coming from the dura.

From Science Daily • Feb. 7, 2024

The implant is made of a stretchable “elastomer” material that mimics the dura, the membrane surrounding the brain.

From Scientific American • Sep. 1, 2023

El virus suele propagarse de esta forma, y los bebés infectados pueden acabar con una infección crónica que dura toda la vida.

From New York Times • Mar. 23, 2023

The meninges comprise three layers that surround the brain: pia, arachnoid and dura.

From Salon • Nov. 20, 2022

"Curries from our Pakistani brothers and sisters, Sudanese dura, and that whole corner is Malaysian. Baba says his jihad is against bland food."

From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda