epidural

[ep-i-door-uhl, -dyoor-]

adjective

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

noun

1. Pharmacology.,  epidural anesthesia.

epidural

/ ˌɛpɪˈdjʊərəl /

adjective

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

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

epidural

1. Located on or over the dura mater.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of epidural¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of epidural¹

C19: from _epi- + _dur ( _{a mater} ) + _-al ¹

Example Sentences

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

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

McVay has said that Stafford received an epidural injection a few weeks ago, but on Tuesday he declined to specify if he had received another.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“Part of getting the epidural was part of the plan,” set up by spine specialist Dr. Robert Watkins, McVay said, adding that Saturday’s workout was “on par with the schedule that we always had.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

As pain, tiredness and stress are triggers, she planned for an early epidural to block pain during the birth.

Read more on BBC