spina bifida
[ bif-i-duh ]
/ ˈbɪf ɪ də /
noun Pathology.
a congenital neural tube defect in which part of the meninges or spinal cord protrudes through the spinal column, often resulting in neurological impairment.
Origin of spina bifida
1710–20; < New Latin, Latin: cloven backbone
Words nearby spina bifida
British Dictionary definitions for spina bifida
spina bifida
/ (ˈspaɪnə ˈbɪfɪdə) /
noun
a congenital condition in which the meninges of the spinal cord protrude through a gap in the backbone, sometimes causing enlargement of the skull (due to accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid) and paralysis
Word Origin for spina bifida
New Latin; see
spine,
bifid
Medical definitions for spina bifida
spina bifida
[ bĭf′ĭ-də ]
n.
A congenital defect in which the spinal column is imperfectly closed so that part of the meninges or spinal cord may protrude, often resulting in neurological disorders.
hydrocele spinalis
Scientific definitions for spina bifida
spina bifida
[ spī′nə bĭf′ĭ-də ]
A congenital defect caused by incomplete formation of the neural tube, in which the vertebral column is not fully closed, resulting in protrusion of the meninges and sometimes the spinal cord. Damage to the exposed spinal cord can cause neurological abnormalites, including paralysis.
Cultural definitions for spina bifida
spina bifida
A congenital condition that involves an imperfectly closed spinal column, often resulting in neurological disorders.