epidural: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Medical/Technical, but common in everyday contexts related to childbirth.
Quick answer
What does “epidural” mean?
An injection of anaesthetic into the space around the spinal cord to numb the lower body, most commonly used for pain relief during childbirth or surgery.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An injection of anaesthetic into the space around the spinal cord to numb the lower body, most commonly used for pain relief during childbirth or surgery.
More broadly, refers to any medical procedure, anaesthesia, or the space itself (epidural space) surrounding the dura mater of the spinal cord. In casual use, it can refer to the entire medical experience of receiving such anaesthesia.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic difference. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent. 'Epidural' is the standard term in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical. Strongly associated with obstetrics and pain management.
Frequency
Equally frequent in medical and lay contexts in both regions due to common childbirth practices.
Grammar
How to Use “epidural” in a Sentence
Patient + have/get + an epiduralAnaesthetist + administer/give + an epiduralEpidural + numb/relieve + painVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “epidural” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She opted for epidural analgesia during labour.
- The epidural catheter was placed successfully.
American English
- She chose epidural anesthesia for the surgery.
- They discussed the risks of epidural block.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in medical, nursing, and pharmacological literature.
Everyday
Commonly discussed in contexts of pregnancy, birth plans, and surgical recovery.
Technical
Precise term in anaesthesiology, anatomy, and obstetrics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “epidural”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “epidural”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “epidural”
- Incorrectly calling it a 'general anaesthetic' (it is regional).
- Misspelling as 'epidual' or 'epideral'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'They will epidural me') – this is non-standard.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both are regional anaesthetics injected near the spine, an epidural is placed in the epidural space and often uses a catheter for continuous medication. A spinal block is a single injection into the cerebrospinal fluid for faster, denser, but shorter-lasting numbness.
You typically feel pressure but not sharp pain. The goal is sensory block, not complete motor block, so you may still be able to move your legs slightly.
It is highly effective but not 100%. Sometimes it may work unevenly (a 'window' of pain) or require adjustment.
Extensive research shows epidurals are generally safe for babies. Medication doses are very low and enter the mother's bloodstream minimally.
An injection of anaesthetic into the space around the spinal cord to numb the lower body, most commonly used for pain relief during childbirth or surgery.
Epidural is usually medical/technical, but common in everyday contexts related to childbirth. in register.
Epidural: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɛpɪˈdjʊər(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɛpɪˈdʊrəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'EPI-DURAL' – 'Epi' means 'upon' and 'dural' refers to the 'dura mater' (a membrane). So, it's an injection into the space *upon* the dura mater of the spine.
Conceptual Metaphor
PAIN RELIEF IS A BARRIER (the epidural creates a 'numb zone' or barrier against pain signals).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of an epidural?