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; meninges, -itis

Example Sentences

Although the city has been at the centre of a fatal meningitis outbreak, no changes to planned events were deemed necessary.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

The NHS waited two days before raising the alarm about the meningitis outbreak, the BBC has learnt.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

A total of 29 confirmed or suspected cases of meningitis have been linked to the Kent outbreak, which has killed two people.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

It's also home to a nightclub which two weeks ago is thought to have spawned an explosive outbreak of meningitis B - a potentially deadly inflammation of the brain lining.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

The PIH-er called back with the name of an international entity called the Green Light Committee, established to control the distribution of a vaccine for meningitis.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French