dura mater

[ door-uh-mey-ter ]

nounAnatomy.

the tough, fibrous membrane forming the outermost of the three coverings of the brain and spinal cord.

Origin of dura mater

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin: literally, “hard mother,” loan translation of Arabic umm al-dimāgh al-ṣafīcah, Arabic umm “mother” also serving as an indicator of relationship between things; cf. pia mater

Also called du·ra .

Compare arachnoid (def. 6), pia mater.

Words Nearby dura mater

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use dura mater in a sentence

From the description, Secretary Clinton has a subdural hematoma, a collection of blood under the dura mater.
Good News for Hillary Clinton’s Health | Kent Sepkowitz | January 1, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
The dura mater should be carefully protected from injury as well as the pin.
Old-Time Makers of Medicine | James J. Walsh
Nearly two centuries later Baglivi advanced a theory which referred vital movement to the heart and the dura mater.
An Epitome of the History of Medicine | Roswell Park
The condition found on examination of the dura mater varies.
A System of Operative Surgery, Volume IV (of 4) | Various
Then, after their removal, the piece of linen described above is to be inserted between the cranium and dura mater.
Gilbertus Anglicus | Henry Ebenezer Handerson

The dura mater is a membrane which lines the cranial cavity and is formed of tough connective tissue.
The Vertebrate Skeleton | Sidney H. Reynolds

British Dictionary definitions for dura mater

dura mater

/ (ˈdjʊərə ˈmeɪtə) /

noun

the outermost and toughest of the three membranes covering the brain and spinal cord: Often shortened to: dura See also meninges

Origin of dura mater

C15: from Medieval Latin, hard mother

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for dura mater

dura mater

[ dur′ə mā′tər, mä′- ]

The tough fibrous membrane covering the brain and the spinal cord and lining the inner surface of the skull. It is the outermost of the three membranes (meninges) that surround the central nervous system, overlying the arachnoid and pia mater.

Browse