meninges

American  

[mi-nin-jeez] / mɪˈnɪn dʒiz /

plural noun

Anatomy.

singular

meninx

1. the three membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

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meninges British  

/ mɪˈnɪndʒɪəl, mɪˈnɪndʒiːz /

plural noun

1. the three membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord See dura mater arachnoid pia mater

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meninges Scientific  

/ mə-nĭn′jēz /

1. The three membranes that enclose the vertebrate brain and spinal cord: the pia mater, arachnoid, and dura mater.

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meninges Cultural  

1. The membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.

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Other Word Forms

• intermeningeal adjective
• meningeal adjective
• postmeningeal adjective
• submeningeal adjective

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

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

It’s often a meningoencephalitis—which is a serious inflammation and swelling of both the brain and the meninges.

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

I suspected the development of gummata on the meninges of the brain and cord, and advised him to use the inunction cure, and to remain at home until he should be well.

From The Electric Bath by Schweig, George M.