Definition

Relating to the pleura, which are the membranes surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity.

Example

The doctor explained that the pleural cavity can become inflamed, causing pain during breathing.

Conversation

I read an article about pleural diseases yesterday.

Oh really? What did it say?

It explained how they affect breathing and the thorax.

That sounds important to know, especially for lung health.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pleural → It is formed from "pleura" (from Greek "pleura", meaning rib or side) and the suffix "-al" (meaning pertaining to). The word "pleural" refers to something that pertains to the pleura, the membrane surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity.

Memory Tip

Think of the Greek word for rib or side, 'pleura', to remember that 'pleural' relates to the membrane around the lungs.

Visually Confused Words