epidural

[ep-i-doo r-uh l, -dyoo r-] /ˌɛp ɪˈdʊər əl, -ˈdyʊər-/
adjective
1.
Anatomy. situated on or outside the dura mater.
noun
2.
Pharmacology, epidural anesthesia.
Origin of epidural
1880-85; < epi- + dur(a mater) + -al-1
Examples from the web for epidural
  • The epidural sensor is placed through a burr hole drilled in the skull.
  • For older or sicker patients, epidural or spinal anesthesia may be used.
  • Talbot never mentions that it is a slippery slope from the epidural to more serious intervention.
British Dictionary definitions for epidural

epidural

/ˌɛpɪˈdjʊərəl/
adjective
1.
Also extradural. upon or outside the dura mater
noun
2.
Also called epidural anaesthesia
  1. injection of anaesthetic into the space outside the dura mater enveloping the spinal cord
  2. anaesthesia induced by this method
Word Origin
C19: from epi- + dur(a mater) + -al1
Word Origin and History for epidural
adj.

1882, from epi- + dura (mater) (see dura mater). The noun meaning "injection into the epidural region" (usually during childbirth) is attested by 1970.

epidural in Medicine

epidural ep·i·du·ral (ěp'ĭ-dur'əl, -dyur'-)
adj.
Located on or over the dura mater. n.
An injection into the epidural space of the spine.

epidural in Science
epidural
  (ěp'ĭ-dr'əl)   
Adjective  Located on or over the dura mater.

Noun  An injection into the epidural space of the spine, as an epidural anesthetic.