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

Doctors pushed for spinal surgery, and injured reserve looked like a certainty, but after a week of rehab with an outside trainer, Van Noy was healthy enough to play. —Dan Pompei, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025

The posts and reading lists paint a picture of someone seeking answers, sharing how spinal fusion surgery brought the author relief after years of discomfort. —Liz Neporent, ABC News, 11 Dec. 2024

Noun

Her spinal surgeon had referred her to that facility for post-operative treatment after having had back surgery. —Bayliss Wagner, Austin American-Statesman, 7 Jan. 2024

Damage to your central nervous system (your brain and spinal cord)—such as from a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or multiple sclerosis—can sometimes lead to pain that feels like burning sensations in your foot. —Ruth Jessen Hickman, Md, Health, 23 Dec. 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