Definition of spina bifida in English:
spina bifida
nounˌspʌɪnə ˈbɪfɪdəˌspaɪnə ˈbɪfədə
mass nounA congenital defect of the spine in which part of the spinal cord and its meninges are exposed through a gap in the backbone. It often causes paralysis of the lower limbs, and sometimes learning difficulties.
Example sentencesExamples
- This is a very important charity which treats children with serious illnesses such as cancer, leukaemia, spina bifida and cystic fibrosis.
- Children with spina bifida (open spine) sometimes have a form of clubfoot.
- Ultrasound can be used to diagnose certain congenital defects such as spina bifida.
- Often called open spine, spina bifida affects the backbone and, sometimes, the spinal cord.
- Exposure to amniotic fluid may damage the neural tissue in cases of spina bifida and cause subsequent paralysis and hydrocephalus.
Origin
Early 18th century: modern Latin (see spine, bifid).
Definition of spina bifida in US English:
spina bifida
nounˌspīnə ˈbifədəˌspaɪnə ˈbɪfədə
A congenital defect of the spine in which part of the spinal cord and its meninges are exposed through a gap in the backbone. It often causes paralysis of the lower limbs, and sometimes mental handicap.
Example sentencesExamples
- This is a very important charity which treats children with serious illnesses such as cancer, leukaemia, spina bifida and cystic fibrosis.
- Ultrasound can be used to diagnose certain congenital defects such as spina bifida.
- Exposure to amniotic fluid may damage the neural tissue in cases of spina bifida and cause subsequent paralysis and hydrocephalus.
- Children with spina bifida (open spine) sometimes have a form of clubfoot.
- Often called open spine, spina bifida affects the backbone and, sometimes, the spinal cord.
Origin
Early 18th century: modern Latin (see spine, bifid).