spinal
adj. B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈspaɪnəɫ// UK //spˈaɪnəl// spinal
adj. relating to the spine, which is the row of bones running down the center of your back.
adj. pertaining to the vertebral column or the spinal cord. Often used in medical contexts to describe nerves, injuries, or procedures involving the back.
The doctor checked his spinal reflexes after the accident.
She underwent a spinal procedure to relieve the pressure on her lower back nerves.
The surgeon explained that any damage to the spinal cord could result in permanent loss of motor function below the site of the injury.
Borrowed from Late Latin spīnālis (“of or belonging to the spine”), from spīna (“a prickle, spine”) + -ālis (“-al”, adjectival suffix). By surface analysis, spine + -al.
Usage
Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun.