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
: a spinal anesthetic
Examples of spinal in a Sentence
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Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
Too often plaintiffs are steered into life-altering spinal surgeries and invasive procedures that independent and reputable medical experts say are often unnecessary and inconsistent with accepted standards of care.
—Elizabeth Heck, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2026
Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026
The Mayo Clinic describes spinal stenosis as a condition where the spaces in the backbone are too small.
—Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 13 Jan. 2026
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Adjective
Mohammadi has a medical history that includes heart attacks, chest pain and high blood pressure, as well as spinal disc issues and other illnesses, according to the foundation, which is run by her family.
—Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
Too often plaintiffs are steered into life-altering spinal surgeries and invasive procedures that independent and reputable medical experts say are often unnecessary and inconsistent with accepted standards of care.
—Elizabeth Heck, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
Right Arrow Quinton Aaron's family confirmed the actor suffered a spinal stroke, days after news broke that he was intubated and placed on life support after experiencing a mysterious neck pain.
—Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026
The Mayo Clinic describes spinal stenosis as a condition where the spaces in the backbone are too small.
—Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spinal
Cite this Entry
“Spinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spinal. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical 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
spinal
2 of 2 noun
: a spinal anesthetic
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