spina bifida

[ bif-i-duh ]

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.

spina bifida

/ 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

spina bifida

/ 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.

spina bifida

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of spina bifida¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of spina bifida¹

New Latin; see spine , bifid

Example Sentences

The 21-year-old was born with spina bifida - a spinal defect - and hydrocephalus, which is a neurological disorder that causes water to gather around her brain.

From BBC

The inquest heard Marina, who was from Ribbleton and had spina bifida, was unable to go to the toilet or remove her shoes.

From BBC

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

The study demonstrates that individuals carrying this chromosomal deletion -- present in one of 2,500 live births -- demonstrate a risk of spina bifida more than 10 times greater than the general public.

From Science Daily

Lori was able-bodied and pushed George, who had spina bifida, on a stool that had wheels.

From New York Times