cerebrospinal fluid

American  

noun

Physiology.

1. the fluid in the ventricles of the brain, between the arachnoid and pia mater, and surrounding the spinal cord.

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cerebrospinal fluid British  

noun

1.  CSF.  the clear colourless fluid in the spaces inside and around the spinal cord and brain

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cerebrospinal fluid Scientific  

/ sĕr′ə-brō-spī′nəl,sə-rē′brō- /

1. The clear fluid that fills the cavities of the brain and covers the surfaces of the brain and spinal cord. It lubricates the tissues and cushions them from shock and injury.

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Etymology

Origin of cerebrospinal fluid

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

During those misses, the scientists observed a surge of cerebrospinal fluid through and out of the brain.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

In healthy individuals, a network called the glymphatic system circulates cerebrospinal fluid through spaces around arteries into brain tissue.

From Science Daily • Nov. 11, 2025

Previously, the only way to confirm Alzheimer's was by specialist PET brain scans and lumbar punctures to extract cerebrospinal fluid.

From BBC • Sep. 9, 2025

NPH occurs when excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain’s ventricles, with patients experiencing cognitive decline, difficulty walking and urinary incontinence, according to the Alzheimer’s Assn.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 21, 2025

The latter contains, besides, a large venous sinus, fatty matter, the membranes of the cord, and the cerebrospinal fluid.

From Special Report on Diseases of the Horse by Michener, Charles B.