lumbar puncture

noun

: puncture of the subarachnoid space in the lumbar region of the spinal cord to withdraw cerebrospinal fluid or inject anesthetic drugs

Examples of lumbar puncture in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Until now, diagnosing Alzheimer’s has often relied on costly and invasive tools like a PET scan or lumbar puncture. Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025 Doctors may also do what’s called a lumbar puncture to drain the excess fluid. Erika Edwards, NBC news, 23 May 2025 The dura can be damaged from head injuries or punctured during surgical procedures involving the sinuses, brain or spine, such as lumbar puncture, epidurals, spinal anesthesia or myelogram. Danielle Wilhour, The Conversation, 28 May 2025 If the lumbar puncture yields positive results, patients may be candidates for a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for lumbar puncture

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lumbar puncture was in 1895

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Cite this Entry

“Lumbar puncture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lumbar%20puncture. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

lumbar puncture

noun
: puncture of the subarachnoid space in the lumbar region of the spinal cord to withdraw cerebrospinal fluid or inject anesthetic drugs

called also spinal tap

More from Merriam-Webster on lumbar puncture

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