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Glite Dictionary
meningocele

meningocele

9.9
A small bag of fluid from around the spine that sticks out from a baby's back without nerve tissue
  • noun
  • /məˈnɪŋɡəˌsiːl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : meningocele
  • The doctors diagnosed the newborn with a meningocele after observing the protruding sac on his lower back.

Examples

  • Prenatal ultrasounds sometimes reveal a meningocele so that treatment can be planned early.

  • Surgical intervention is often required to repair a meningocele and prevent future complications.

  • A meningocele can be detected during a prenatal ultrasound.

  • Doctors often recommend surgery for a large meningocele.

  • The doctors diagnosed the newborn with a meningocele after observing the protruding sac on his lower back.

  • Surgical intervention is often required to repair a meningocele and prevent future complications.

  • A meningocele can be detected during a prenatal ultrasound.

Surface Forms

meningocele singular
meningoceles plural

Morphology

meningocele = meningo + cele

The word 'meningocele' is a specialized medical term composed of Greek roots, not transparent to average English learners.

Etymology

Meningocele comes from mening- meaning 'membrane' and -cele meaning 'hernia' or 'protrusion'. So, it describes a 'membrane hernia', a sac of fluid that bulges from the membranes around the brain or spinal cord.