1. a thin membrane that covers the lungs and lines the inside of the chest cavity in mammals
Usage: anatomy; usually used in singular or plural form (pleura or pleurae)

Examples

• The pleura protects the lungs and allows them to move smoothly during breathing.
• Inflammation of the pleura is a condition called pleurisy.
• Doctors examined the pleura during the chest surgery.
• The visceral pleura adheres directly to the lung surface.
• Fluid can accumulate between the layers of the pleura in certain diseases.