- plural of meninx.
meninges
Americanplural noun
-
meninx
singular
plural noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of meninges
1610–20; < New Latin < Greek mḗninges, plural of mêninx membrane
Explanation
The protective membranes that surround your brain and spinal cord are called meninges. Your meninges do an important job — helping to keep your nervous system safe from harm. The illness known as meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges that's caused by a viral or bacterial infection. This condition can be serious because of how close the brain is to the meninges and how vital they are for protecting it. The Greek root, meninx, means "membrane."
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.
The brain and spinal cord are protected by layered membranes called the meninges.
From Science Daily ● Apr. 9, 2026
Meningitis is the swelling of the meninges – the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord – and it is usually caused by a bacterial infection.
From BBC ● Oct. 5, 2025
So if you bend the neck, because the meninges are inflamed, the knees will also bend.
From Scientific American ● May 22, 2023
Meningiomas, tumors of the meninges, are usually benign tumors that can require resection when they become symptomatic.
From Salon ● Nov. 20, 2022
The inflammation may spread to the meninges, the intracranial venous sinuses, the eye, or the ear.
From Manual of Surgery Volume First: General Surgery. Sixth Edition. by Alexis Thomson
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