meningitis

noun

men·​in·​gi·​tis ˌme-nən-ˈjī-təs How to pronounce meningitis (audio)
plural meningitides ˌme-nən-ˈji-tə-ˌdēz How to pronounce meningitis (audio)
: inflammation of the meninges and especially of the pia mater and arachnoid
specifically : a disease marked by inflammation of the meninges that is either a relatively mild illness caused by a virus (such as various Coxsackieviruses) or a more severe usually life-threatening illness caused by a bacterium (especially the meningococcus, Neisseria meningitides, or the serotype designated B of Haemophilus influenzae)

Note: Meningitis is often marked by fever, headache, vomiting, malaise, and stiff neck, and if left untreated in bacterial forms, may progress to confusion, stupor, convulsions, coma, and death.

meningitic adjective

Examples of meningitis in a Sentence

She was diagnosed with spinal meningitis.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In severe cases, the infection can spread to the nervous system, causing meningitis or encephalitis. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024 Continue reading … 'SOMETHING'S WRONG' – 'Bachelor' star reveals 'shocking' symptom that led to meningitis diagnosis. Fox News, 12 Aug. 2024 In severe cases, the bacteria may cause a blood infection or meningitis. Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 8 Aug. 2024 With appropriate treatment, cryptococcal meningitis can be cured. Brigid Dwyer, Verywell Health, 2 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for meningitis 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of meningitis was in 1820

Dictionary Entries Near meningitis

Cite this Entry

“Meningitis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meningitis. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

meningitis

noun
men·​in·​gi·​tis ˌmen-ən-ˈjīt-əs How to pronounce meningitis (audio)
: a disease in which a membrane of the brain or spinal cord becomes inflamed

Medical Definition

meningitis

noun
men·​in·​gi·​tis ˌmen-ən-ˈjīt-əs How to pronounce meningitis (audio)
plural meningitides -ˈjit-ə-ˌdēz How to pronounce meningitis (audio)
: inflammation of the meninges and especially of the pia mater and the arachnoid
specifically : a disease marked by inflammation of the meninges that is either a relatively mild illness caused by a virus (such as various Coxsackieviruses) or a more severe usually life-threatening illness caused by a bacterium (especially the meningococcus, Neisseria meningitides, or the serotype designated B of Haemophilus influenzae)

Note: Meningitis is often marked by fever, headache, vomiting, malaise, and stiff neck, and if left untreated in bacterial forms, may progress to confusion, stupor, convulsions, coma, and death.

More from Merriam-Webster on meningitis

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