pia
Pia (noun) means the pia mater, the thin innermost membrane that covers and protects the brain and spinal cord. Example: “The surgeon worked carefully near the pia to avoid damaging brain tissue.”
How to use pia
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe delicate inner lining around the brain and spinal cord, or a woman's first name.
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The surgeon worked carefully near the _____ to avoid damaging brain tissue.
Etymology
The membrane sense comes from Latin pia mater, literally "tender mother."