Meningeal: meaning, definitions and examples

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meningeal

 

[ məˈnɪn.dʒi.əl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

anatomy

Meningeal refers to anything related to the meninges, which are the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. These membranes provide cushioning, support, and protection to the central nervous system.

Synonyms

dura mater, meningeal membrane

Examples of usage

  • Meningeal irritation can indicate an infection.
  • The doctor examined the patient for signs of meningeal involvement.
  • Meningeal membranes are crucial for spinal health.

Translations

Translations of the word "meningeal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 meníngeo

🇮🇳 मेन्केगाल

🇩🇪 meningeal

🇮🇩 meningeal

🇺🇦 менінгеальний

🇵🇱 oponowy

🇯🇵 髄膜の

🇫🇷 méningé

🇪🇸 meníngeo

🇹🇷 meningeal

🇰🇷 수막의

🇸🇦 سحائي

🇨🇿 mozkomíšní

🇸🇰 mozgomiešny

🇨🇳 脑膜的

🇸🇮 meningealni

🇮🇸 heila himna

🇰🇿 менингеальды

🇬🇪 მენინგეალური

🇦🇿 menegeal

🇲🇽 meníngeo

Word origin

The term 'meningeal' is derived from the word 'meninx', which comes from the Latin 'meninx', meaning 'membrane'. This Latin term is in turn derived from the Greek word 'mēninx', which refers specifically to the membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord. The word has been used in medical contexts since the late 18th century and has evolved alongside advancements in neuroanatomy. Understanding the meningeal layers—dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater—is essential for diagnosing conditions such as meningitis and other neurological disorders. As medical practices progressed, particularly in the study of the central nervous system, the importance of meningeal structures in physiological and pathological conditions became increasingly recognized, leading to the term becoming a standard descriptor in neurology and anatomy.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,534, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.