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

pia mater

/ pī′əmā′tər,pē′əmä′tər /

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

Example Sentences

A very slight watery effusion between the Pia Mater and Tunica arachnoidea.

From Project Gutenberg

In removing the pia mater, the convolutions of the brain were firm, and appeared natural.

From Project Gutenberg

At the base of the brain the pia mater is prolonged on to the roots of the cranial nerves.

From Project Gutenberg

The pia mater bore marks of pretty extensive inflammation, and adhered to the dura mater at the vertex.

From Project Gutenberg

The vessels of the pia mater, over the corpora striata, were unusually injected with blood.

From Project Gutenberg