noun
epidural
ehp-ih-DYOOR-ruhl
Epidural (noun) means an injection of anesthetic into the lower spine, commonly used to relieve pain during childbirth. Example: “She asked for an epidural once the contractions became unbearable.”
noun
1
An injection of anesthetic into the lower spine, commonly used to relieve pain during childbirth.
"She asked for an epidural once the contractions became unbearable."
adjective
1
Located on or around the outer covering of the spinal cord.
"The surgeon identified an epidural mass on the scan."
How to use epidural
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA pain-relief injection into the spine, most often used during labor.
Common pairings
get an epidural
epidural anesthesia
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Word forms
- Plural
- epidurals
- Comparative
- more epidural
- Superlative
- most epidural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She asked for an _____ once the contractions became unbearable.
Etymology
Formed from "epi-" ("upon, outside") plus "dural," relating to the dura mater, the tough outer membrane covering the spinal cord and brain.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for epidural
rural
mural
plural
neural
natural
cultural
subdural
guttural
unnatural
inaugural
structural
procedural
See all rhymes for epidural →
Frequently asked questions
What does “epidural” mean?
The word “epidural” means an injection of anesthetic into the lower spine, commonly used to relieve pain during childbirth. In plain terms, a pain-relief injection into the spine, most often used during labor.
How do you pronounce “epidural”?
“Epidural” is pronounced ehp-ih-DYOOR-ruhl (/ɛp.əˈd(j)ʊɹ.əl/ in IPA).
How do you use “epidural” in a sentence?
Here is “epidural” used in a sentence: “She asked for an epidural once the contractions became unbearable.”
What part of speech is “epidural”?
Depending on how it is used, “epidural” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “epidural” come from?
The word “epidural” comes from Latin. Formed from "epi-" ("upon, outside") plus "dural," relating to the dura mater, the tough outer membrane covering the spinal cord and brain.
How many meanings does “epidural” have?
“Epidural” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an injection of anesthetic into the lower spine, commonly used to relieve pain during childbirth.
