spinal cord

noun

: the cord of nervous tissue that extends from the brain lengthwise along the back in the spinal canal, gives off the pairs of spinal nerves, carries impulses to and from the brain, and serves as a center for initiating and coordinating many reflex acts see brain illustration

Examples of spinal cord in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Vitamin B12 inactivation can lead to weakness, paresthesia or pins-and-needles sensation in the hands, and spinal cord degeneration, Dr. Varun Vorha, director of the Michigan Poison and Drug Information Center, said during committee testimony on the bills. Arpan Lobo, Detroit Free Press, 13 Mar. 2024 Their children all serve on the board of directors for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, which is dedicated to researching a cure for spinal cord injuries. Scott Huver, Peoplemag, 8 Mar. 2024 In susceptible individuals, Listeria can cause a range of illnesses, from mild diarrhea to infections of the bloodstream or meningitis, which is an infection of the membranes lining the brain and spinal cord. Mark Kortepeter, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024 Motor impairment and spinal cord injuries have been the focus of the start-up’s early explorations, as this technology can allow for paralyzed individuals to move limbs or prosthetics and write text messages with thoughts alone. Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 29 Jan. 2024 After his accident, Reeve took up philanthropy and became an activist for spinal cord injury treatments and disability rights. USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2024 Sanderson, 16, was born with spina bifida, a congenital birth defect in which the spinal cord fails to form properly. Ej Dickson, Rolling Stone, 13 Feb. 2024 As soon as a fish hits the deck (gently, so as not to bruise the meat) a deckhand dispatches it with a spike to the brain or spinal cord, which kills the fish quickly and reduces thrashing, which can stress the meat. Tom Fowlks, Outdoor Life, 1 Feb. 2024 The condition occurs when the spine and spinal cord don't form properly, leading to walking and mobility issues. Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spinal cord.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spinal cord was in 1834

Dictionary Entries Near spinal cord

Cite this Entry

“Spinal cord.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spinal%20cord. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

spinal cord

noun
: the cord of nervous tissue that extends from the brain along the back in the cavity of the backbone, branches to form the spinal nerves, carries nerve impulses to and from the brain, and helps to control reflex actions

Medical Definition

spinal cord

noun
: the thick longitudinal cord of nervous tissue that in vertebrates extends along the back dorsal to the bodies of the vertebrae and is enclosed in the spinal canal formed by their neural arches, is continuous anteriorly with the medulla oblongata, gives off at intervals pairs of spinal nerves to the various parts of the trunk and limbs, serves not only as a pathway for nerve impulses to and from the brain but as a center for carrying out and coordinating many reflex actions independently of the brain, and is composed largely of white matter arranged in columns and tracts of longitudinal fibers about a large central core of gray matter somewhat H-shaped in cross section and pierced centrally by a small longitudinal canal continuous with the ventricles of the brain

called also medulla spinalis

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