spinal cord

noun

the cord of nerve tissue extending through the spinal canal of the spinal column.

Origin of spinal cord

First recorded in 1830–40

Words nearby spinal cord

spinal atrophy, spinal block, spinal canal, spinal column, spinal concussion, spinal cord, spinal curvature, spinal decompression, spinal fusion, spinal ganglion, spinal headache

Example sentences from the Web for spinal cord

British Dictionary definitions for spinal cord

spinal cord

noun

the thick cord of nerve tissue within the spinal canal, which in man gives rise to 31 pairs of spinal nerves, and together with the brain forms the central nervous system

Medical definitions for spinal cord

spinal cord

n.

The thick, whitish cord of nerve tissue that extends from the medulla oblongata down through the spinal column and from which the spinal nerves branch off to various parts of the body. spinal marrow

Scientific definitions for spinal cord

spinal cord

The long, cordlike part of the central nervous system that is enclosed within the vertebral column (spine) and descends from the base of the brain, with which it is continuous. The spinal cord branches to form the nerves that convey motor and sensory impulses to and from the tissues of the body.

Cultural definitions for spinal cord

spinal cord

The thick column of nerve tissue that extends from the base of the brain about two thirds of the way down the backbone. As part of the central nervous system, the spinal cord carries impulses back and forth between the brain and other parts of the body through a network of nerves that extend out from it like branches.