pia mater

[ pahy-uh mey-ter, pee-uh ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Anatomy.

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

the innermost of the three membranes (meninges) that cover the brain and spinal cord See meninges

pia mater

The fine vascular membrane that closely envelops the brain and spinal cord under the arachnoid and the dura mater.

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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 )

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Word History and Origins

Origin of pia mater¹

C16: from Medieval Latin, literally: pious mother, intended to translate Arabic umm raqīqah tender mother

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

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

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

From

On examination pus was found between the arachnoid and the pia mater.

From

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

From

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

From

pial pian

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