spina bifida

noun

spi·​na bi·​fi·​da ˌspī-nə-ˈbi-fə-də 

: 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

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

Developmental disabilities include autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and spina bifida, among other conditions. —Caitlin Granfield, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2025

As an infant, Sophie was diagnosed with spina bifida, a condition that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don't form properly, according to the Mayo Clinic. —Emy Lacroix, People.com, 4 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, spine split in two

First Known Use

1720, in the meaning defined above

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