spina bifida

[ bif-i-duh ]

/ ˈbɪf ɪ də /

noun Pathology.

a congenital neural tube defect in which part of the meninges or spinal cord protrudes through the spinal column, often resulting in neurological impairment.

Nearby words

spin-dry, spin-dryer, spin-off, spin-out, spina, spina bifida, spina bifida aperta, spina bifida cystica, spina bifida manifesta, spina bifida occulta, spinaceous

Origin of spina bifida

1710–20; < New Latin, Latin: cloven backbone

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for spina bifida

spina bifida

/ (ˈspaɪnə ˈbɪfɪdə) /

noun

a congenital condition in which the meninges of the spinal cord protrude through a gap in the backbone, sometimes causing enlargement of the skull (due to accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid) and paralysis

Word Origin for spina bifida

New Latin; see spine, bifid

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

Medicine definitions for spina bifida

spina bifida

[ bĭf′ĭ-də ]

n.

A congenital defect in which the spinal column is imperfectly closed so that part of the meninges or spinal cord may protrude, often resulting in neurological disorders.hydrocele spinalis

Science definitions for spina bifida

spina bifida

[ spī′nə bĭf′ĭ-də ]

A congenital defect caused by incomplete formation of the neural tube, in which the vertebral column is not fully closed, resulting in protrusion of the meninges and sometimes the spinal cord. Damage to the exposed spinal cord can cause neurological abnormalites, including paralysis.

Culture definitions for spina bifida

spina bifida

A congenital condition that involves an imperfectly closed spinal column, often resulting in neurological disorders.