spinal tap

noun

Examples of spinal tap 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.
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 The test, which requires a simple blood draw, is less invasive than performing a spinal tap to test cerebrospinal fluid and less expensive than PET scans. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 20 May 2025 About two-thirds of participants had Alzheimer’s disease (diagnosed via spinal tap); this group was nearly 80 percent male and 71 years old on average. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 27 June 2025 Medical professionals will likely evaluate how someone walks, get scans like a CT or MRI, perform a spinal tap and otherwise perform a physical exam and monitor symptoms. David Oliver, USA Today, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for spinal tap

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spinal tap was in 1947

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Cite this Entry

“Spinal tap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spinal%20tap. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

spinal tap

noun

More from Merriam-Webster on spinal tap

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