spina bifida

American  

[bif-i-duh] / ˈbɪf ɪ də /

noun

Pathology.

1. 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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spina bifida British  

/ ˈspaɪnə ˈbɪfɪdə /

noun

1. 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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spina bifida Scientific  

/ spī′nəbĭf′ĭ-də /

1. 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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spina bifida Cultural  

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

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Etymology

Origin of spina bifida

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

Example Sentences

Her son, who is referred to as J.M. in the complaint, is nonverbal and autistic and has spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

April was born with spina bifida and was later diagnosed with tumours at the base of her spine which she says have left her in constant, debilitating pain.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2025

Memoirs like Riva Lehrer’s Golem Girl, about spina bifida, and Jami Lin Nakamura’s The Night Parade, about mental illness, use monsters and monstrosity to discuss disability.

From Slate • Oct. 28, 2024

Cases of spina bifida dropped 31% and anencephaly declined by 16% after the fortification mandate, according to a federal study cited in the journal Teratology.

From Seattle Times • May 15, 2024

A curious circumstance, which is affirmed to attend the spina bifida, is, that on compressing the tumor with the hand gently, the whole brain becomes affected, and the patient falls asleep.

From Zoonomia, Vol. II Or, the Laws of Organic Life by Darwin, Erasmus