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

/ 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.

meningitis

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

Derived Forms

• meningitic, adjective

Other Words From

• men·in·git·ic [men-in-, jit, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of meningitis¹

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

Example Sentences

Beth said they first realised something was wrong with Riley at eight weeks old when he was admitted to hospital with a urinary tract infection and later bacterial meningitis.

From BBC

“Hot and dry. Extroverted. Quick-tempered — told you. Ambitious — yes. These aren’t very nice qualities, I would say. Heart, back, spine — yes. Circulatory, heart problems — yes; well, I had meningitis when I was born.”

From Los Angeles Times

A student who said he almost died a few weeks after starting university has urged this year's undergraduates to check they have been vaccinated against meningitis.

From BBC

If measles spreads to the lungs or the brain, complications can include meningitis, seizures and blindness.

From BBC

It said students should also be aware of the symptoms of meningitis.

From BBC