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

To make a more definitive diagnosis, a healthcare team will drain some of the cerebrospinal fluid using a procedure called a spinal tap (lumbar puncture). —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 27 May 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

Doctors may also do what’s called a lumbar puncture to drain the excess fluid. —Erika Edwards, NBC news, 23 May 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

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lumbar puncture

• acupuncture
• venipuncture
• conjuncture
• disjuncture
• juncture

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