epidural

American  

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

adjective

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

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noun

1. Pharmacology. epidural anesthesia.

epidural British  

/ ˌɛpɪˈdjʊərəl /

adjective

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

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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 Scientific  

/ ĕp′ĭ-dr′əl /

1. Located on or over the dura mater.

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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

The epidural did not work properly and I still was able to feel the pain.

From Slate • Jan. 11, 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

How effective do you think an epidural subsidy will be in reversing Japan’s declining birthrate?

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 12, 2025

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.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 19, 2025