epidural

1 of 2

adjective

epi·​du·​ral ˌe-pi-ˈd(y)u̇r-əl How to pronounce epidural (audio)
: situated upon or administered or placed outside the dura mater
epidural anesthesia
an epidural abscess

epidural

2 of 2

noun

: an injection of a local anesthetic into the space outside the dura mater of the spinal cord in the lower back region to produce loss of sensation especially in the abdomen or pelvic region

Examples of epidural in a Sentence

Noun Many women undergoing childbirth are given epidurals.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
For the study, ‘multimodal analgesia’ was defined as the administration of an opioid plus at least one other form of pain medication, such as a local anesthetic (epidural or pain patch on the skin), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), intravenous ketamine, or oral gabapentin. New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2024 Additionally, people who take anticoagulants are at a greater risk of an epidural or spinal hematoma while undergoing anesthesia or spinal puncture.17 Nitrates Nitrates are helpful in the management and treatment of angina (chest pain). Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 20 Sep. 2024
Noun
Spinals and epidurals numb a large body region but can be used for different procedures. Femi Aremu, Verywell Health, 10 Sep. 2024 One type is considered the continuous classic epidural, while the other is called a walking epidural (also called a combined spinal epidural). Robin Elise Weiss, Phd, Parents, 22 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for epidural 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'epidural.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1882, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1970, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of epidural was in 1882

Dictionary Entries Near epidural

Cite this Entry

“Epidural.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epidural. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

epidural

1 of 2 adjective
epi·​du·​ral ˌep-i-ˈd(y)u̇r-əl How to pronounce epidural (audio)
: situated upon or administered or placed outside the dura mater
epidural injections
an epidural abscess
epidurally adverb

epidural

2 of 2 noun
: an injection of an anesthetic to produce epidural anesthesia
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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