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spina bifida

[bif-i-duh]

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

  1. spin-dry,
  2. spin-dryer,
  3. spin-off,
  4. spin-out,
  5. spina,
  6. spina bifida aperta,
  7. spina bifida cystica,
  8. spina bifida manifesta,
  9. spina bifida occulta,
  10. 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

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
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Culture definitions for spina bifida

spina bifida

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

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.