spina bifida Meaning, Definition & Usage
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noun a not uncommon congenital defect in which a vertebra is malformed; unless several vertebrae are affected or there is myelomeningocele there are few symptoms; can be diagnosed by amniocentesis
schistorrhachis; rachischisis.
WordNet
Spi"na bif"i*da
Definitions
(Med.) L., cleft spine. A congenital malformation in which the spinal column is cleft at its lower portion, and the membranes of the spinal cord project as an elastic swelling from the gap thus formed.