meningitis

[ men-in-jahy-tis ]
/ ˌmɛn ɪnˈdʒaɪ tɪs /

noun Pathology.

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.

Origin of meningitis

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

OTHER WORDS FROM meningitis

men·in·git·ic [men-in-jit-ik] /ˌmɛn ɪnˈdʒɪt ɪk/, adjective

Words nearby meningitis

meningeorrhaphy, meninges, meningioma, meningism, meningitic streak, meningitis, meningo-, meningo-osteophlebitis, meningocele, meningococcal meningitis, meningococcall

Example sentences from the Web for meningitis

British Dictionary definitions for meningitis

meningitis
/ (ˌmɛnɪnˈdʒaɪtɪs) /

noun

inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain or spinal cord, caused by infection

Derived forms of meningitis

meningitic (ˌmɛnɪnˈdʒɪtɪk), adjective

Medical definitions for meningitis

meningitis
[ mĕn′ĭn-jī′tĭs ]

n. pl. men•in•git•i•des (-jĭt′ĭ-dēz′)

Inflammation of the meninges of the brain and the spinal cord, most often the result of a bacterial or viral infection and characterized by fever, vomiting, intense headache, and stiff neck.

Other words from meningitis

men′in•git′ic (-jĭt′ĭk) adj.

Scientific definitions for meningitis

meningitis
[ mĕn′ĭn-jī′tĭs ]

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.

Cultural definitions for meningitis

meningitis
[ (men-in-jeye-tis) ]

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