foramen magnum
noun
fo·ra·men mag·num
fə-ˌrā-mən-ˈmag-nəm 
: the opening in the skull through which the spinal cord passes to become the medulla oblongata
Examples of foramen magnum in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
That brings us to the most relevant hominin-like feature, the position of the foramen magnum.
—
Bridget Alex, Discover Magazine, 26 Apr. 2019
The foramen magnum is the opening at the base of the skull where the spinal cord exits.
—Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 15 May 2020
For example, the location of the foramen magnum, the opening in the skull for the spinal cord, reveals whether its possessor orients horizontally or vertically.
—David P. Barash, WSJ, 16 June 2021
Though the fossil exhibited apelike features, the position of the foramen magnum, or the opening that allows the spinal cord and brain to meet, convinced Dart that the child had walked upright like a human.
—Smithsonian, 27 Mar. 2017
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Bridget Alex, Discover Magazine, 26 Apr. 2019
The foramen magnum is the opening at the base of the skull where the spinal cord exits.
—Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 15 May 2020
For example, the location of the foramen magnum, the opening in the skull for the spinal cord, reveals whether its possessor orients horizontally or vertically.
—David P. Barash, WSJ, 16 June 2021
Though the fossil exhibited apelike features, the position of the foramen magnum, or the opening that allows the spinal cord and brain to meet, convinced Dart that the child had walked upright like a human.
—Smithsonian, 27 Mar. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Foramen magnum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foramen%20magnum. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
foramen magnum
noun
fo·ra·men mag·num
fə-ˌrā-mən-ˈmag-nəm
: the opening in the skull through which the spinal cord joins the brain
Medical Definition
foramen magnum
noun
foramen mag·num
-ˈmag-nəm
: the opening in the skull through which the spinal cord passes to become the medulla oblongata
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share