spinal cord

noun

Definition of spinal cordnext
as in vertebra

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of spinal cord In severe cases, damage to the central nervous system causes potentially deadly inflammation of the brain or spinal cord. — ABC News, 1 July 2026 In some cases, Powassan virus can cause severe disease, including encephalitis, an infection of the brain, or meningitis, an infection of membranes around the brain and spinal cord. — Emily Vetter, USA Today, 16 June 2026 Fewer than 1% develop a serious neurological illness that can affect the brain or spinal cord, with older adults and people with weakened immune systems facing the greatest risk. — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026 Moorehead has followed Clark’s story from 2000, when the running back for Eisenhower High School suffered a paralyzing spinal cord injury in a game through his death in 2012. — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for spinal cord
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spinal cord
  1. vertebra
  2. back
  3. spinal column
  4. vertebral column
Noun
  • The vertebra or backbone was found in 1985 by a British Antarctic Survey (BAS) expedition, but was initially assessed as belonging to a large reptile, according to a statement from London’s Natural History Museum on Monday.
    — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
  • From there, reverse the movement by flexing one vertebra at a time, starting at the neck and moving down through the mid-back and low back.
    — Danielle Zickl, Health, 15 June 2026
Definition of vertebra
Noun
  • For the best chance of seeing them, move away from city lights, lie flat on your back and look toward the southern sky near the Aquarius constellation, NASA says.
    — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • The butler's pantry comes complete with a wet bar and connects to the dining room, gallery and kitchen via a back staircase.
    — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
Definition of back
Noun
  • The drug needed to be infused directly into the spinal column.
    — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Gabapentin has proved effective at helping some mastectomy patients with stubborn pain, while others have responded to electrodes implanted in their spinal column, according to the Baylor study, published in 2024.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026
Definition of spinal column
Noun
  • The wall displayed a careful repetition and symmetry using pieces of the vertebral column.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
  • The remains included parts of the lower jaw, vertebral column, and pelvic girdle.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 13 Nov. 2025
Definition of vertebral column

Browse Nearby Words

spinal columns
spinal cord
spinal cords
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Cite this Entry

“Spinal cord.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spinal%20cord. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spinal cord

Nglish: Translation of spinal cord for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spinal cord

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