spina bifida

noun

spi·​na bi·​fi·​da ˌspī-nə-ˈbi-fə-də How to pronounce spina bifida (audio)
: a congenital cleft of the spinal column with hernial protrusion of the meninges and sometimes the spinal cord

Examples of spina bifida 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.
Doctors have also known for years that high blood sugar increases the risk of neurological birth defects, including spina bifida and a condition called anencephaly, when the brain isn’t fully developed. The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025 From a 6 year lifespan to a thriving teenager Luis Heberto lives with spina bifida, which paralyzes him from the waist down; cerebral palsy, which limits him from the waist up; and hydrocephalus, a neurological disorder that causes the accumulation of fluid within deep cavities of the brain. Nadia Cantú, The Arizona Republic, 12 May 2024 Folate is essential for neural tube development and lowers the risk of spina bifida and other spinal cord health conditions.517 A Word From Verywell Orange juice can contribute to a healthy diet and has great health benefits. Aviv Joshua, Ms, Verywell Health, 11 Feb. 2025 Valproic acid causes birth defects that can be detected in utero such as oral clefts or spina bifida. Almut Winterstein, The Conversation, 30 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spina bifida

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, spine split in two

First Known Use

1720, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spina bifida was in 1720

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Cite this Entry

“Spina bifida.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spina%20bifida. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

spina bifida

noun
spina bi·​fi·​da
-ˈbif-ə-də also -ˈbīf-
: a neural tube defect marked by congenital cleft of the spinal column usually with hernial protrusion of the meninges and sometimes the spinal cord see meningocele, myelocele, myelomeningocele
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