lumbar puncture

noun

: puncture of the subarachnoid space in the lumbar region of the spinal cord to withdraw cerebrospinal fluid or inject anesthetic drugs

Examples of lumbar puncture in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Another diagnostic option involves measuring amyloid beta and certain modified forms of tau in the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, but collecting this fluid requires a lumbar puncture, which many people find too invasive. Robert Martone, Scientific American, 10 Oct. 2025 Doctors can test for folate levels in the brain with a lumbar puncture (also known as a spinal tap) to detect folate levels in the cerebrospinal fluid. Alice Park, Time, 23 Sep. 2025 Until now, diagnosing Alzheimer’s has often relied on costly and invasive tools like a PET scan or lumbar puncture. Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025 The dura can be damaged from head injuries or punctured during surgical procedures involving the sinuses, brain or spine, such as lumbar puncture, epidurals, spinal anesthesia or myelogram. Danielle Wilhour, The Conversation, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for lumbar puncture

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lumbar puncture was in 1895

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lumbar puncture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lumbar%20puncture. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

lumbar puncture

noun
: puncture of the subarachnoid space in the lumbar region of the spinal cord to withdraw cerebrospinal fluid or inject anesthetic drugs

called also spinal tap

More from Merriam-Webster on lumbar puncture

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!