spina bifida
[ bif-i-duh ]
/ ˈbɪf ɪ də /
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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.
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Origin of spina bifida
1710–20; <New Latin, Latin: cloven backbone
Words nearby spina bifida
spilt, spilth, spim, spin, spina, spina bifida, spina bifida aperta, spina bifida cystica, spina bifida manifesta, spina bifida occulta, spinaceous
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for spina bifida
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
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Medical 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.
Scientific 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.
Cultural 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.