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

The resulting spinal fusion increasingly renders one immobile and, in extreme cases, a person can lose their ability to walk. —Meghan Howes, The Denver Post, 21 Jan. 2025

So, too was David Wright (spinal injury), who first appeared on the ballot last year, and Dustin Pedroia (knee injury), on the ballot for the first time this year. —Jason Mastrodonato, The Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2025

Noun

Proper sleep posture is critical to maintaining natural spinal alignment during rest. —Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025

Based on our testing of the luxury firm model, the Saatva Classic is a true medium-firm mattress, which is considered the best choice for back pain and spinal alignment. —Lindsay Boyers, Architectural Digest, 29 Oct. 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