Relating to the space surrounding the membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord, or a type of anesthetic injection given in that area.
From Greek 'epi' (upon) + 'dura' (the tough outermost membrane of the brain and spinal cord), literally meaning 'upon the dura'; the term entered medical English in the 1800s.
Epidurals used in childbirth are one of modern medicine's greatest contributions to reducing suffering—the needle sits just outside the protective membrane of the spinal cord, delivering pain relief directly where it's needed without numbing everything.
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