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

Since that fall, Osbourne has undergone four spinal surgeries to address his pain problems (including a recent one that also uncovered a tumor). —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 28 June 2024

Princess Eugenie's bridal gown did not attempt to hide the scar from her spinal surgery at age 12 due to scoliosis, a curvature of the spine. —Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 26 June 2024

Noun

Thanks to mid-level firmness and balanced foam feel, Nectar Premier offers good pressure relief and spinal alignment with a gentle touch of comfort and cooling. —Ashley Zlatopolsky, Architectural Digest, 3 July 2024

The brain stem transmits messages between the cerebellum and the spinal cord.5 Vertigo Symptoms Vertigo is the feeling of spinning. —Yuliya Klochan, Health, 19 June 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