ˌmenə̇nˈjīd.ə̇s noun
( plural meningit·i·des -jid.əˌdēz)
Etymology: New Latin, from mening- + -itis
1. : inflammation of the meninges, especially the pia mater and the arachnoid
2. : a disease in which inflammation of the meninges occurs and which is caused by microorganisms (as the meningococcus, the tubercle bacillus, or a pneumococcus)