pia mater

[pahy-uh mey-ter, pee-uh]

noun

Anatomy.

1. the delicate, fibrous, and highly vascular membrane forming the innermost of the three coverings of the brain and spinal cord.

pia mater

/ ˈpaɪə ˈmeɪtə /

noun

1. the innermost of the three membranes (meninges) that cover the brain and spinal cord See meninges

pia mater

1. The fine vascular membrane that closely envelops the brain and spinal cord under the arachnoid and the dura mater.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pia mater¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin: literally, “pious mother,” erroneous translation of Arabic umm raqīqah “tender mother,” Arabic umm “mother” also serving as an indicator of relationship between things; dura mater ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of pia mater¹

C16: from Medieval Latin, literally: pious mother, intended to translate Arabic umm raqīqah tender mother