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

Meg had been vaccinated against meningitis strains A, C, W and Y when she was 14 through the NHS vaccination schedule but not MenB, as this is only offered to young children born after 2015.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Only rarely do they get through the barriers at the back of the nose and throat to invade the body and cause meningitis and sepsis.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

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

Invasive meningitis is classed as an urgent notifiable disease, so under Health Protection Regulations 2010 it is a requirement to report cases to health protection officials as soon as a case is suspected.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

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

From "We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart