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
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.
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 There’s also some evidence suggesting that fevers are associated with neural tube defects, which impact a fetus’s brain, spine or spinal cord during the first month of pregnancy, Gabard-Durnam said. Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025 The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that all women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant take a daily folic acid supplement to avoid neural tube and spinal defects in developing fetuses. Alice Park, Time, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for neural tube

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neural tube was in 1888

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Neural tube.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neural%20tube. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on neural tube

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!