epidural

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adjective epi·du·ral \ ˌe-pi-ˈd(y)u̇r-əl \

Definition of epidural

:situated upon or administered or placed outside the dura mater

epidural anesthesia

an epidural abscess

Recent Examples of epidural from the Web

Yet salacious headlines about the fatalities could discourage even more women from choosing epidurals in Japan, which already has one of the lowest rates of epidural use among developed countries.

— claire zillman, Fortune, "Fighting Sexism with Fake Male Co-Founder, Melania’s Shoe Disaster, and Michelle Bachelet’s Mission," 30 Aug. 2017
If reports of an epidural steroid injection emerge, that would indicate the disc is pressing on a nerve and could be worrisome for Ravens fans who have already had more than their share of injuries.

— profootballdoc, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Ryan Tannehill leaves practice, igniting concern about knee stability," 3 Aug. 2017
Trainers are on alert for McCarthy, who suffered an epidural hematoma when the Angels’ Erick Aybar hit him in the head with a line drive five years ago, and who has been on 12 disabled lists since 2008.

— mark whicker, Orange County Register, "Whicker: Dodgers’ Brandon McCarthy is latest to challenge big, bad Cubs," 22 June 2017
The epidural allows the anesthesiologist to top off the original injection and keep the anesthetic going as long as is needed.

— susan scutti, CNN, "'Gentle' C-sections are growing in popularity," 13 June 2017
With this period of rest, Williams could receive epidural steroid injections and other non-surgical treatment.

— profootballdoc, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Even now, Chargers could be concerned about Mike Williams," 6 June 2017
The mother usually remains alert but is given an epidural and other medications to block out pain.

— martha ross, The Mercury News, "Beyonce wants Blue Ivy, in little nurse’s outfit, with her when she gives birth," 5 June 2017
At one point, Lauren was overcome by a sudden, sharp pain in her back near her kidneys or liver, but the nurses bumped up her epidural and the stabbing stopped.

— nina martin, propublica; renee montagne, Fox News, "Nurse's childbirth death brings questions about whether new mom's being ignored," 21 May 2017
The drug, given by an epidural, replaces a protein Koen was lacking.

— alicia fabbre, Daily Southtown, "Tinley Park woman runs to help people with muscle diseases," 19 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'epidural.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of epidural

1882

epidural

noun

Definition of epidural

:an injection of a local anesthetic into the space outside the dura mater of the spinal cord in the lower back region to produce loss of sensation especially in the abdomen or pelvic region

See epidural defined for English-language learners