What does "epidural" mean?

An injection of anaesthetic into the epidural space of the spine, especially associated with pain relief during childbirth.

How do you pronounce "epidural"?

Pronounced //ɛp.ɪˈdjʊə.ɹəl//.

Common synonyms include: epidural anaesthesia, epidural anesthesia, epidural anesthesia, extradural, extradural, extradural.

//ɛp.ɪˈdjʊə.ɹəl// adj, noun

adj, noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level

Noun

1
An injection of anaesthetic into the epidural space of the spine, especially associated with pain relief during childbirth.
"For reasons I shan’t bore you with, I got them to induce me at 39 weeks, at 10am, with the epidural going in first, and it was all a dream. Until the baby went back to back and they very nicely pointed out that the epidural doesn’t deal with that pain."
2
regional anesthesia resulting from injection of an anesthetic into the epidural space of the spinal cord; sensation is lost in the abdominal and genital and pelvic areas; used in childbirth and gynecological surgery wordnet

Adjective

1
Situated on or outside the dura mater. relational
2
Of or pertaining to the space immediately outside the dura mater. relational
"Epidural anesthesia is commonly used for pain relief during childbirth."