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
Chiari malformation type 1 is a rare brain condition where the cerebellum, a brain area responsible for balance and posture, droops down slightly through a small hole in the skull called the foramen magnum.
—
Ruairi MacKenzie, Discover Magazine, 16 July 2025
However, other features, like the receded and high location of the posterior rim of the foramen magnum, indicated a possible Neanderthal lineage.
—ArsTechnica, 7 July 2025
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
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Ruairi MacKenzie, Discover Magazine, 16 July 2025
However, other features, like the receded and high location of the posterior rim of the foramen magnum, indicated a possible Neanderthal lineage.
—ArsTechnica, 7 July 2025
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 Nov. 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
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