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
Carson Meyer, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Bicket said that adding acupuncture after an epidural injection has shown to be effective in some patients with lower back pain, and many people may have already tried physical therapy before seeking more advanced treatment.
—Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 6 Mar. 2025
Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 19 Mar. 2025
But epidurals are used widely and effectively outside of the delivery room as well.
—Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for epidural
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Adjective
In the United States, 60 percent of those who give birth without an epidural and 83 percent with an epidural are limited to just ice chips and clear fluids in the hospital.
—Carson Meyer, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Bicket said that adding acupuncture after an epidural injection has shown to be effective in some patients with lower back pain, and many people may have already tried physical therapy before seeking more advanced treatment.
—Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
Finally, after four hours, Liles convinced her patient’s mother to agree to the epidural.
—Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 19 Mar. 2025
But epidurals are used widely and effectively outside of the delivery room as well.
—Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for epidural
Cite this Entry
“Epidural.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epidural. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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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