Diplomyelia

/ˌdɪpləmaɪˈiːliə/ noun

Definition

A rare medical condition where the spinal cord is partially or completely split into two halves.

Etymology

From Greek 'diplos' (double) + 'myelos' (bone marrow, spinal cord). A medical term from the 19th century describing a birth condition where the spinal cord doesn't develop as a single structure.

Kelly Says

The 'diplo-' prefix means double, so 'diplomyelia' is literally having a doubled spinal cord—doctors can now detect this with advanced imaging, whereas 100 years ago they couldn't!

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