neural tube

noun

: the hollow longitudinal dorsal tube formed by infolding and subsequent fusion of the opposite ectodermal folds in the vertebrate embryo that gives rise to the brain and spinal cord

Examples of neural tube in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that fortifying grain products with folic acid already prevents more than 1,300 neural tube defects annually, saving more than $600 million per year in lifetime medical costs. —Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 17 Nov. 2025

When the neural tube does not fully close, the backbone protecting the spinal cord doesn’t close and form either. —Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025

Folic acid is also used to fortify flour and grain products, to help prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida in the womb. —Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025

For one, a high fever during early pregnancy has in some cases been linked to potential complications for the fetus, including neural tube defects and other adverse outcomes. —Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 23 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for neural tube

• hypercube
• nanotube
• phototube
• boob
• cube
• lube
• rube

Medical Definition

neural tube

noun

: the hollow longitudinal dorsal tube that is formed by infolding and subsequent fusion of the opposite ectodermal folds in the vertebrate embryo and gives rise to the brain and spinal cord