spina bifida

American  

[bif-i-duh] / ˈbɪf ɪ də /

noun

Pathology.

1. a congenital neural tube defect in which part of the meninges or spinal cord protrudes through the spinal column, often resulting in neurological impairment.

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spina bifida British  

/ ˈspaɪnə ˈbɪfɪdə /

noun

1. a congenital condition in which the meninges of the spinal cord protrude through a gap in the backbone, sometimes causing enlargement of the skull (due to accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid) and paralysis

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spina bifida Scientific  

/ spī′nəbĭf′ĭ-də /

1. A congenital defect caused by incomplete formation of the neural tube, in which the vertebral column is not fully closed, resulting in protrusion of the meninges and sometimes the spinal cord. Damage to the exposed spinal cord can cause neurological abnormalites, including paralysis.

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spina bifida Cultural  

1. A congenital condition that involves an imperfectly closed spinal column, often resulting in neurological disorders.

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Etymology

Origin of spina bifida

1710–20; < New Latin, Latin: cloven backbone

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

spina bifida

Her son, who is referred to as J.M. in the complaint, is nonverbal and autistic and has spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 8, 2026

Memoirs like Riva Lehrer’s Golem Girl, about spina bifida, and Jami Lin Nakamura’s The Night Parade, about mental illness, use monsters and monstrosity to discuss disability.

From Slate ● Oct. 28, 2024

The inquest heard Marina, who was from Ribbleton and had spina bifida, was unable to go to the toilet or remove her shoes.

From BBC ● Sep. 27, 2024

Cases of spina bifida dropped 31% and anencephaly declined by 16% after the fortification mandate, according to a federal study cited in the journal Teratology.

From Seattle Times ● May 15, 2024

Anomalies of the Spinal Canal and Contents.—When there is a default in the spinal column, the vice of conformation is called spina bifida.

From Anomalies and Curiosities of Medicine by Walter L. (Walter Lytle) Pyle