epi·du·ral
ˌe-pi-ˈd(y)u̇r-əl 
: situated upon or administered or placed outside the dura mater
epidural anesthesia
an epidural abscess
: an injection of a local anesthetic into the space outside the dura mater of the spinal cord in the lower back region to produce loss of sensation especially in the abdomen or pelvic region
Examples of epidural in a Sentence
Noun
Many women undergoing childbirth are given epidurals.
Recent Examples on the Web
Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 16 June 2023
All of the patients had undergone cosmetic procedures — such as breast implants, butt lifts or liposuction — that required epidural anesthesia.
—Barbara Mantel, NBC News, 8 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for epidural 
Adjective
Health officials in the US and Mexico suspect that the infections stem from cosmetic procedures, including liposuction, that involved epidural anesthesia, a component of which may have been contaminated with the fungus Fusarium solani.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 16 June 2023
All of the patients had undergone cosmetic procedures — such as breast implants, butt lifts or liposuction — that required epidural anesthesia.
—Barbara Mantel, NBC News, 8 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for epidural
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'epidural.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near epidural
Cite this Entry
“Epidural.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epidural. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
epidural
1 of 2 adjective
epi·du·ral
ˌep-i-ˈd(y)u̇r-əl
: situated upon or administered or placed outside the dura mater
epidural injections
an epidural abscess
epidural
2 of 2 noun
: an injection of an anesthetic to produce epidural anesthesia
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