spina bifida

noun

spi·​na bi·​fi·​da ˌspī-nə-ˈbi-fə-də 

: a congenital cleft of the spinal column with hernial protrusion of the meninges and sometimes the spinal cord

Examples of spina bifida in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

He was born with spina bifida, which was likely caused by his father’s exposure to Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam. — Peter Slevin, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026

Her star, British actor Ruth Madeley, was born with spina bifida and, like Heumann, uses a wheelchair. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026

But Madeley, who was born with spina bifida, plays her with a fearless determination and passion that would make the real Heumann proud. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026

The three siblings share the same spina bifida diagnosis, but the condition — in which the spinal column does not properly fuse in the womb — affects each of them differently. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, spine split in two

First Known Use

1720, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

spina bifida

noun

spina bi·​fi·​da

-ˈbif-ə-də also -ˈbīf-

: a neural tube defect marked by congenital cleft of the spinal column usually with hernial protrusion of the meninges and sometimes the spinal cord see meningocele, myelocele, myelomeningocele