spinal cord

American  

noun

1. the cord of nerve tissue extending through the spinal canal of the spinal column.

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spinal cord British  

noun

1. the thick cord of nerve tissue within the spinal canal, which in man gives rise to 31 pairs of spinal nerves, and together with the brain forms the central nervous system

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spinal cord Scientific  

1. The long, cordlike part of the central nervous system that is enclosed within the vertebral column (spine) and descends from the base of the brain, with which it is continuous. The spinal cord branches to form the nerves that convey motor and sensory impulses to and from the tissues of the body.

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spinal cord Cultural  

1. The thick column of nerve tissue that extends from the base of the brain about two thirds of the way down the backbone. As part of the central nervous system, the spinal cord carries impulses back and forth between the brain and other parts of the body through a network of nerves that extend out from it like branches.

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Etymology

Origin of spinal cord

First recorded in 1830–40

Compare meaning

How does spinal-cord compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• spinal cord vs. spinal column

Example Sentences

Demyelination is the process in which the myelin sheath -- a protective, insulating layer surrounding nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord -- is damaged or destroyed.

From Science Daily

A study published on December 23, 2025, in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, examined how age may influence recovery following a spinal cord injury.

From Science Daily

Six years ago, I was going in for major surgery on a cyst on my spinal cord.

From BBC

He was diagnosed with meningitis -- an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

From Barron's

She's holding a container of ice-cold, artificial cerebrospinal fluid, which mimics the liquid that bathes the brain and spinal cord.

From BBC