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epidural

American  
[ep-i-door-uhl, -dyoor-] / ˌɛp ɪˈdʊər əl, -ˈdyʊər- /

adjective

  1. Anatomy. situated on or outside the dura mater.


noun

  1. Pharmacology. epidural anesthesia.

epidural British  
/ ˌɛpɪˈdjʊərəl /

adjective

  1. Also: extradural.  upon or outside the dura mater

"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

noun

  1. Also called: epidural anaesthesia

    1. injection of anaesthetic into the space outside the dura mater enveloping the spinal cord

    2. anaesthesia induced by this method

"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
epidural Scientific  
/ ĕp′ĭ-drəl /
  1. Located on or over the dura mater.


  1. An injection into the epidural space of the spine, as an epidural anesthetic.

Etymology

Origin of epidural

1880–85; < epi- + dur(a mater) + -al 1 ( def. )

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.

Hague explained she then received an epidural which allowed her to enjoy the pushing part of labour.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026

Unlike in my first labor, I was recommended an epidural for the pain.

From Slate • Jan. 11, 2026

The shortage arose after a major supplier stopped making epidural infusion bags, it is understood.

From BBC • Dec. 21, 2025

So when the time came, she opted for an epidural.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 12, 2025

He is working through an aggravated disc issue, for which he received an epidural injection.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 9, 2025