spinal cord

noun

1. the cord of nerve tissue extending through the spinal canal of the spinal column.

spinal cord

noun

1. the thick cord of nerve tissue within the spinal canal, which in man gives rise to 31 pairs of spinal nerves, and together with the brain forms the central nervous system

spinal cord

1. The long, cordlike part of the central nervous system that is enclosed within the vertebral column (spine) and descends from the base of the brain, with which it is continuous. The spinal cord branches to form the nerves that convey motor and sensory impulses to and from the tissues of the body.

spinal cord

1. The thick column of nerve tissue that extends from the base of the brain about two thirds of the way down the backbone. As part of the central nervous system, the spinal cord carries impulses back and forth between the brain and other parts of the body through a network of nerves that extend out from it like branches.

Word History and Origins

Origin of spinal cord¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

MND affects nerves found in the brain and spinal cord, which tell your muscles what to do.

From BBC

Although traditional practitioners sometimes add a step in which the spinal cord is destroyed, Poseidon just does the first steps of the ikejime technique.

From Los Angeles Times

"If I'd have got a vest on when I was attacked, I would not have received the serious injury I did to my back - it narrowly missed my spinal cord."

From BBC

Watch Jack Ryan Greener tell his story of recovering from a spinal cord injury and his quest to summit Mt.

From Los Angeles Times

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord and can be serious if not treated quickly.

From BBC