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

/ 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

This is located in a region termed the meninges, which covers the CNS and contains membrane layers called the dura mater, arachnoid and pia mater.

From Nature

Pertaining to a thin membrane of the brain and spinal cord, between the dura mater and pia mater.

From Project Gutenberg

A tubercular arachnitis or lepto-meningitis presents the various products of an inflammation of the pia mater with an abundant formation of tubercles.

From Project Gutenberg

Whose skull Jove cram with brains!—for here he comes, one of thy kin, has a most weak pia mater.

From Project Gutenberg

In this disease, the pia mater, arachnoid membrane, or the brain itself, may be inflamed.

From Project Gutenberg