meningitis

[men-in-jahy-tis]

noun

Pathology.

1. inflammation of the meninges, especially of the pia mater and arachnoid, caused by a bacterial or viral infection and characterized by high fever, severe headache, and stiff neck or back muscles.

meningitis

/ ˌmɛnɪnˈdʒɪtɪk, ˌmɛnɪnˈdʒaɪtɪs /

noun

1. inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain or spinal cord, caused by infection

meningitis

1. Inflammation of the meninges of the brain and the spinal cord, usually resulting from a bacterial or viral infection and often characterized by fever, vomiting, an intense headache, and a stiff neck.

meningitis

1. Inflammation of the meninges of the brain or spinal cord, most often resulting from a bacterial or viral infection.

Other Word Forms

• meningitic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of meningitis¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1820–30; meninges, -itis

Example Sentences

Alison said she wished she had known more about the symptoms of meningitis when her daughter was still alive as she believes it might have changed the outcome.

From BBC

While most viruses are mild, some can be far more dangerous and meningitis is a serious infection to watch out for.

From BBC

While most people experience only mild symptoms resembling stomach flu, it can lead to severe illness such as meningitis or sepsis.

From BBC

The 27-year-old was in hospital with viral meningitis just days prior to the tournament starting, her participation in significant doubt.

From BBC

The virus can attack the nervous system and lead to meningitis, encephalitis, paralysis and, in rare cases, even death.

From Los Angeles Times