epidural

1 of 2

adjective

epi·​du·​ral ˌe-pi-ˈd(y)u̇r-əl 

: 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

At only 35 weeks, your impactful and quick arrival didn't even give mommy time to get an epidural. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024

Meanwhile, many commenters hilariously shared what their far more modest push presents were, such as an epidural. —Melissa Willets, Parents, 23 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1882, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1970, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

epidural

1 of 2 adjective

epi·​du·​ral ˌep-i-ˈd(y)u̇r-əl 

: situated upon or administered or placed outside the dura mater

epidural injections

an epidural abscess

epidurally

-ə-lē 

adverb

epidural

2 of 2 noun

: an injection of an anesthetic to produce epidural anesthesia