meningitis

American  

[men-in-jahy-tis] / ˌmɛn ɪnˈdʒaɪ tɪs /

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.

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meningitis British  

/ ˌmɛnɪnˈdʒɪtɪk, ˌmɛnɪnˈdʒaɪtɪs /

noun

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

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meningitis Scientific  

/ mĕn′ĭn-jī′tĭs /

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.

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meningitis Cultural  

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

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Other Word Forms

• meningitic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of meningitis

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

Explanation

Meningitis is an illness that causes the area around the brain and spinal cord to become inflamed. The symptoms of meningitis include fever and headache, along with neck stiffness. Meningitis is often serious because of how close the inflammation is to a patient's brain. The most common type of meningitis is caused by a virus, and others are caused by bacteria — several types can be prevented with immunizations. The word meningitis means "inflammation of the meninges," or the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, from a Greek root meaning "membrane."

Example Sentences

A charity has called for a wider rollout of meningitis vaccines after a teenage boy in Oxfordshire died after contracting the disease.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

Anyone becoming unwell with symptoms of meningitis or sepsis should seek medical help urgently at the closest Accident and Emergency Department or by dialling 999.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

It remains free on the NHS for people until the age of 25 but does not protect against all strains of meningitis.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

According to the Mayo Clinic, meningitis is an infection and swelling of the fluid and membranes around the brain and spinal cord.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026

They tested me for brain tumors, meningitis, you name it.

From "We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart