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cerebrospinal

American  
[suh-ree-broh-spahyn-l, ser-uh-] / səˌri broʊˈspaɪn l, ˌsɛr ə- /

adjective

Anatomy, Physiology.
  1. pertaining to or affecting the brain and the spinal cord.

  2. of or relating to the central nervous system.


cerebrospinal British  
/ ˌsɛrɪbrəʊˈspaɪnəl /

adjective

  1. of or relating to the brain and spinal cord

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of cerebrospinal

First recorded in 1820–30; cerebro- + spinal

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Biogen noted that the treatment demonstrated “robust reductions” in both the levels of tau protein in cerebrospinal fluid, a key biomarker, and the buildup of tau protein in the brain.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

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 people with Alzheimer's, Aβ accumulates and causes arteries to stiffen, slowing the flow of fluids between brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid.

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

Both the cerebrospinal and the sympathetic divisions have nerve centers.

From Special Report on Diseases of Cattle by United States. Bureau of Animal Industry

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