arachnoiditis
|a-rach-noid-i-tis|
/əˌræk.nɔɪˈdaɪ.tɪs/
inflammation of the arachnoid (web-like membrane)
Etymology
'arachnoiditis' originates from New Latin/medical English, specifically the elements 'arachnoid' + suffix '-itis', where 'arachnoid' ultimately comes from Greek 'arachnē' meaning 'spider' (used for 'spider-like' or 'web-like') and '-itis' meant 'inflammation'.
'arachnoid' entered medical Latin/English from Greek via New/Modern Latin as 'arachnoides' (meaning 'spider-like' or 'web-like'), and the term 'arachnoiditis' was formed in medical usage by adding the Greek-derived suffix '-itis' to denote inflammation of that membrane.
Initially and historically the term referred specifically to inflammation of the web-like arachnoid membrane; this core meaning has been retained in modern medical usage to denote that specific inflammatory condition.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a pathological condition characterized by inflammation of the arachnoid mater (the delicate middle membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord), often causing severe pain, neurological deficits, and sometimes chronic symptoms.
After the spinal operation, she developed arachnoiditis that caused chronic back pain and leg weakness.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/01 06:51