foramen magnum

[mag-nuhm]

noun

Anatomy.

1. the large opening in the base of the skull forming the passage from the cranial cavity to the spinal canal.

foramen magnum

noun

1. the large opening at the base of the skull through which the spinal cord passes

Word History and Origins

Origin of foramen magnum¹

1880–85; < New Latin: literally, great hole

Word History and Origins

Origin of foramen magnum¹

New Latin: large hole