Relating to or affecting the medulla oblongata (the bulb-shaped base of the brain) or to any bulb-shaped anatomical structure.
From Latin 'bulba' (bulb) plus '-ar' suffix meaning relating to, used in medical terminology since the 19th century.
Doctors call the bottom of your brain the 'medulla oblongata' because it looks like a tiny bulb—so 'bulbar' diseases affect the most critical controls for breathing and heartbeat.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.