spinal tap

noun

: lumbar puncture

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.
The results of the spinal tap came back with 13 oligoclonal bands. — Michelle Maves, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025 First the femoral artery line, next the catheter, then the many cannulas, and finally the spinal tap. — David Freyne, Time, 7 Dec. 2025 But confirming the deficiency requires a spinal tap, which can be painful. — Jon Hamilton, NPR, 22 Jan. 2026 The trial would include gene therapy with medication delivered through a spinal tap. — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026 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

Rhymes for spinal tap

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Browse Nearby Words

spinal nerve
spinal tap
spin around
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Cite this Entry

“Spinal tap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spinal%20tap. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

spinal tap

noun
: lumbar puncture

More from Merriam-Webster on spinal tap

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spinal tap

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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