spina bifida
[bif-i-duh]
- a congenital neural tube defect in which part of the meninges or spinal cord protrudes through the spinal column, often resulting in neurological impairment.
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Origin of spina bifida
1710–20; < New Latin, Latin: cloven backbone
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
spina bifida
- 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
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Word Origin
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
spina bifida
(bĭf′ĭ-də)- 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
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
spina bifida
A congenital condition that involves an imperfectly closed spinal column, often resulting in neurological disorders.
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The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.