cauda

American  

[kou-duh, kaw-] / ˈkaʊ də, ˈkɔ- /

noun

Anatomy, Zoology.

plural

caudae

1. a tail or taillike appendage.

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cauda British  

/ ˈkɔːdə /

noun

1. zoology the area behind the anus of an animal; tail

2. anatomy

   1. any tail-like structure

   2. the posterior part of an organ

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Etymology

Origin of cauda

1690–1700; < Latin: tail

Example Sentences

The “Criminal Minds” star also underwent multiple spinal surgeries to manage cauda equina syndrome, a rare condition in which nerve bundles in the lumbar or sacral spine are compressed or not functioning properly.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2026

These days, you'll find farinata or tarta cauda in Liguria, belecauda in southern Piedmont, cade in Toulon, cecina in Tuscany, and calentica in Algeria.

From Salon • Oct. 1, 2022

Erectile dysfunction, for example, can be caused by cardiovascular issues, depression, and even musculoskeletal problems like cauda equina syndrome—three things that can’t be treated with an ED drug.

From Slate • Mar. 23, 2022

NHS Resolution, formerly the NHS Litigation Authority, said it was "committed to sharing information with our NHS trust members to highlight some of the red flags related to cauda equina syndrome".

From BBC • Aug. 19, 2019

I have heard it fancifully traced to the Latin "cauda."

From Notes and Queries, Number 64, January 18, 1851 by Various