spinal cord

noun

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

spinal cord

noun

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

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

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.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of spinal cord¹

First recorded in 1830–40

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Compare Meanings

How does spinal cord compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

spinal cord vs. spinal column

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Example Sentences

There are more than 150,000 people living with MS - a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord - in the UK.

From BBC

Along with volcanic ash, his brain and spinal cord were found to contain a mysterious archeological treasure: tiny, gleaming shards of black glass.

From Salon

His cause of death was given as a neck injury causing spinal cord damage, and the court was told he had a number of other injuries, including fractured ribs.

From BBC

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

From BBC

During the post-mortem, his brain and part of his spinal cord were removed and sent to the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Psychiatry in Munich to be used for research.

From BBC

spinal column spinal ganglion

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