# epidural

/ˌɛpəˈdɝəɫ/ (US) · /ˈɛpɪdjˌɔːɹəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/epidural
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a medical injection given into the space around the spinal cord to help with pain or during childbirth. It makes you feel numb in your legs and lower back.

For teachers: a regional anesthetic administered into the epidural space of the spinal canal to provide pain relief or facilitate surgical procedures. Often used in obstetrics to manage labor pain or in orthopedic surgery to reduce post-operative discomfort.

## Examples

- The doctor explained that an epidural would help with the pain.
- After hours of labor, the mother requested an epidural to manage the intense contractions.
- The anesthesiologist carefully placed the epidural catheter to ensure the patient remained fully conscious while experiencing complete sensory blockage in the lower extremities.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.