'meninx' originates from Ancient Greek, specifically the word 'μηνίγξ' (transliterated 'mēninx'), where it meant 'membrane'.

'meninx' passed into Latin and New (Neo-)Latin as 'meninx' and entered English medical usage from Modern/Neo-Latin; the plural form in English is 'meninges'.

Initially it meant 'membrane' in Greek; over time it became a technical anatomical term meaning 'one of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord'.