meningioma: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Medical
Quick answer
What does “meningioma” mean?
A typically non-cancerous tumour originating from the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A typically non-cancerous tumour originating from the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
A primary central nervous system tumour. While most are benign and slow-growing, they can cause significant neurological symptoms depending on their location and size, and some can be atypical or malignant.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning, spelling, or usage. The medical terminology is identical. Minor potential differences exist in the pronunciation of the final vowel.
Connotations
None beyond its strict medical meaning.
Frequency
Equally rare and technical in both dialects, used exclusively in medical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “meningioma” in a Sentence
The patient has a meningioma.The surgeons removed the meningioma.An MRI scan revealed a meningioma.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “meningioma” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The meningioma resection was successful.
- The patient's meningioma-related symptoms improved.
American English
- The meningioma surgery was scheduled.
- She experienced meningioma-associated headaches.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical, neurosurgical, and oncological research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Extremely rare; only used when discussing a specific medical diagnosis.
Technical
The primary context. Used in clinical notes, radiology reports, surgical plans, and specialist discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “meningioma”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meningioma”
- Misspelling as 'menigioma' (dropping an 'n').
- Mispronouncing as /menɪnˈdʒaɪəmə/ (incorrect stress and vowel).
- Using it as a general term for any brain tumour.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Most meningiomas are benign (non-cancerous), but some can be atypical or malignant. Even benign ones can be serious if they grow and press on vital brain structures.
Symptoms depend entirely on location and size. They can include headaches, seizures, vision problems, weakness in limbs, or changes in personality. Many are discovered incidentally with no symptoms.
Treatment options include monitoring (for small, asymptomatic tumours), surgical removal, or radiation therapy (like stereotactic radiosurgery). The approach is personalised.
Yes, there is a risk of recurrence, especially if the original tumour could not be completely removed or if it was an atypical/malignant grade. Long-term follow-up with scans is common.
A typically non-cancerous tumour originating from the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
Meningioma is usually technical / medical in register.
Meningioma: in British English it is pronounced /mɪˌnɪndʒɪˈəʊmə/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˌnɪndʒiˈoʊmə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the MENINGES (the brain's membranes) + -OMA (a tumour suffix). So, a 'meningioma' is a 'membrane tumour'.
Conceptual Metaphor
None applicable for this technical term.
Practice
Quiz
What is a meningioma?