spinal

1 of 2

adjective

spi·​nal ˈspī-nᵊl 

1

: of, relating to, or situated near the spinal column

2

a

: of, relating to, or affecting the spinal cord

spinal reflexes

b

: having the spinal cord functionally isolated (as by surgical section) from the brain

experiments on spinal animals

3

: of, relating to, or resembling a spine

spinal

2 of 2

noun

: a spinal anesthetic

Examples of spinal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Mangione's condition explained Luigi Mangione, the suspect charged with the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, had reportedly had spinal surgery just one year ago. —Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024

Tenet Healthcare offers tertiary (specialized) care such as cardiothoracic surgery, complex spinal surgery, neonatal intensive care and neurosurgery, along with quaternary care (a higher level of specialized care). —Charles Rotblut, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

Noun

After the births of sons Carl, Keith and Curt, Mr. and Mrs. Runk decided to return to Maryland after Curt contracted spinal meningitis and lost his hearing. —Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 25 Nov. 2024

The trend, sadly, is the rapid rise of patients requiring intensive therapy after suffering a severe head or spinal injury while using a micromobility device like an electric scooter (e-scooter). —Michelle Weinberg, Sun Sentinel, 26 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1944, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing spinal

• spinal canal
• spinal cavity
• spinal column
• spinal cord
• spinal ganglion
• spinal nerve
• spinal tap

Kids Definition

spinal

adjective

spi·​nal

ˈspīn-ᵊl

1

: of, relating to, or located near the backbone

2

: of, relating to, or affecting the spinal cord

Medical Definition

spinal

1 of 2 adjective

spi·​nal ˈspīn-ᵊl 

1

: of, relating to, or situated near the spinal column

2

a

: of, relating to, or affecting the spinal cord

spinal reflexes

b

: having the spinal cord functionally isolated (as by surgical section) from the brain

experiments on spinal animals

c

: used for spinal anesthesia

a spinal anesthetic

3

: made for or fitted to the spinal column

a spinal brace

spinally

-ē 

adverb

spinal

2 of 2 noun

: a spinal anesthetic