dura mater

noun

du·​ra ma·​ter ˈdu̇r-ə-ˌmā-tər How to pronounce dura mater (audio)
ˈdyu̇r-,
-ˌmä-
: the tough fibrous membrane that envelops the brain and spinal cord external to the arachnoid and pia mater

Examples of dura mater in a Sentence

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.
This spinal area lies just outside the dura mater, and is a tough membrane that encases the spinal cord and the system that allows cerebrospinal fluid to circulate. — Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 20 Feb. 2025 In cases where a hematoma is located near the brain, for instance, blood can collect between the covering of the brain (called the dura mater) and the surface of the brain. — Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 24 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin, literally, hard mother

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dura mater was in the 14th century

Rhymes for dura mater

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Browse Nearby Words

duralumin
dura mater
duramen
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Cite this Entry

“Dura mater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dura%20mater. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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Medical Definition

dura mater

noun
du·​ra ma·​ter ˈd(y)u̇r-ə-ˌmāt-ər How to pronounce dura mater (audio) -ˌmät- How to pronounce dura mater (audio)
: the tough fibrous membrane lined with endothelium on the inner surface that envelops the brain and spinal cord external to the arachnoid and pia mater, that in the cranium closely lines the bone, does not dip down between the convolutions, and contains numerous blood vessels and venous sinuses, and that in the spinal cord is separated from the bone by a considerable space and contains no venous sinuses

called also dura

More from Merriam-Webster on dura mater

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dura mater

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