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

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

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