spina bifida

noun

spi·​na bi·​fi·​da ˌspī-nə-ˈbi-fə-də 

: a congenital cleft of the spinal column with hernial protrusion of the meninges and sometimes the spinal cord

Examples of spina bifida in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Fetuses of mice suddenly exposed to QACs developed deformities and neural tube defects similar to spina bifida in humans. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026

In-utero surgery was first pioneered at Texas Children's for spina bifida, and some in utero procedures are performed for heart ailments. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026

The Alabama native – who was born with spina bifida and grew up extremely poor – was called back to the stage by the audience for six encores. — USA Today, 27 May 2026

Turek, who is not a veteran, was born with spina bifida after his father's exposure to chemicals while serving in the Vietnam War. — CBS News, 15 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, spine split in two

First Known Use

1720, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

spina bifida

noun

spina bi·​fi·​da

-ˈbif-ə-də also -ˈbīf-

: a neural tube defect marked by congenital cleft of the spinal column usually with hernial protrusion of the meninges and sometimes the spinal cord see meningocele, myelocele, myelomeningocele