spinal

1 of 2

adjective

spi·​nal ˈspī-nᵊl 

1

: of, relating to, or situated near the spinal column

2

a

: of, relating to, or affecting the spinal cord

spinal reflexes

b

: having the spinal cord functionally isolated (as by surgical section) from the brain

experiments on spinal animals

3

: of, relating to, or resembling a spine

spinal

2 of 2

noun

: a spinal anesthetic

Examples of spinal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Alongside progress in spinal fluid biomarker research, this technology offers the potential for earlier, more accurate diagnoses. — Bruce Bebo, STAT, 24 Oct. 2026

Iron Boy follows a young boy growing up in rural France who strains against the rigid restrictions of his home life, and the metal corset he is forced to wear 24/7 to correct his spinal conditions. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026

Noun

Those can include advanced MRI sequences to study the lesions more closely, a spinal MRI, or spinal fluid analysis that can identify specific abnormal immune proteins, Brumel said. — Kerry Breen, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Those with significant neck or back problems, spinal instability or recent orthopedic injuries may be more vulnerable to worsening pain or additional injury. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1944, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing spinal

• spinal canal
• spinal cavity
• spinal column
• spinal cord
• spinal ganglion
• spinal nerve
• spinal tap

Rhymes for spinal

• final
• pinal
• vinyl
• affinal
• anginal
• synclinal
• vaginal
• anticlinal
• entorhinal
• isoclinal
• polyvinyl
• transvaginal

Kids Definition

spinal

adjective

spi·​nal

ˈspīn-ᵊl

1

: of, relating to, or located near the backbone

2

: of, relating to, or affecting the spinal cord

Medical Definition

spinal

1 of 2 adjective

spi·​nal ˈspīn-ᵊl 

1

: of, relating to, or situated near the spinal column

2

a

: of, relating to, or affecting the spinal cord

spinal reflexes

b

: having the spinal cord functionally isolated (as by surgical section) from the brain

experiments on spinal animals

c

: used for spinal anesthesia

a spinal anesthetic

3

: made for or fitted to the spinal column

a spinal brace

spinally

-ē 

adverb

spinal

2 of 2 noun

: a spinal anesthetic