cerebrospinal fluid

noun

: a colorless liquid that is comparable to serum, is secreted from the blood into the lateral ventricles of the brain, and serves chiefly to maintain uniform pressure within the brain and spinal cord

Examples of cerebrospinal fluid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Lumbar puncture: This test examines cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which cushions the brain and spinal cord. —Yuliya Klochan, Health, 19 June 2024

Because the flushing out of cerebrospinal fluid that carries waste relies so heavily on neural activity, the type of anesthetic used mattered—anesthetics that inhibit neural activity can interfere with the results. —Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 14 Apr. 2024

The dura is a membrane that surrounds cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which cushions the spinal cord. —Samantha Lauriello, Health, 26 May 2024

One measurable biomarker that could indicate dementia is a change in cerebrospinal fluid, a substance present in the brain.5 Stage 2: Very Mild Cognitive Decline In the second stage of dementia, the person may begin to notice mild memory loss. —Jess Sims, Health, 10 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cerebrospinal fluid

noun

ce·​re·​bro·​spi·​nal fluid

sə-ˌrē-brō-ˌspīn-ᵊl-

: a colorless fluid that occupies the cavities of the brain and spinal cord and the space between these and the membranes surrounding them

Medical Definition

cerebrospinal fluid

noun

: a liquid that is comparable to serum but contains less dissolved material, that is secreted from the blood into the lateral ventricles of the brain by the choroid plexus, circulates through the ventricles to the spaces between the meninges about the brain and spinal cord, and is resorbed into the blood through the subarachnoid sinuses, and that serves chiefly to maintain uniform pressure within the brain and spinal cord

called also spinal fluid

compare lymph