péridurale
/pe.ʁi.dy.ʁal/feminine
The English word 'epidural' can be translated into French as péridurale.
The term péridurale is used to refer to the anesthetic itself. In medical or childbirth contexts, the phrase sous péridurale is the standard way to express that a patient is receiving the anesthetic, meaning 'under an epidural'.
Meaning: anaesthetic (noun)
Which one should you use?
While the adjective épidural exists, the noun used to refer to the medical procedure or the anesthetic itself is almost always the feminine péridurale.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun péridurale is feminine, so any accompanying adjectives must also be in the feminine form.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables and is pronounced /pe.ʁi.dy.ʁal/.
Did you know?
- While English uses 'epidural' from the Greek word for 'upon', French uses péridurale from the Greek for 'around', reflecting a different anatomical perspective of the dura mater.
- In French medical slang, a péridurale is often shortened to just la péri during conversations between nurses and patients.
- In France, the phrase poser une péridurale is used to describe the act of administering the anesthetic, literally meaning 'to place' or 'to set' an epidural.
Examples in context
- Elle a accouché sous péridurale.She gave birth with an epidural.This sentence is useful for describing someone giving birth while receiving a péridurale.Tatoeba #11759416 by Fenrir, translation #11759417 by Fenrir
- Madame Dupont, nous vous recommandons de bénéficier d'une anesthésie péridurale lors de l'accouchement. Cela vous procurera un soulagement de la douleur.Mrs. Dupont, we recommend you have an epidural anesthesia during childbirth. It will provide you with pain relief.
- J'ai une certaine appréhension à l'idée de recevoir une analgésie péridurale.I am somewhat apprehensive about receiving epidural pain relief.
- J'ai opté pour la péridurale.I went for the epidural.
- La péridurale est très efficace.The epidural is very effective.
- Est-ce que je peux avoir une péridurale ?Can I have an epidural?
Example conversation
A woman is discussing her birth plan with her partner.
- NathanTu veux une péridurale pour l'accouchement ?Do you want an epidural for the delivery?
- ManonOui, je préfère ne pas souffrir.Yes, I prefer not to suffer.
- NathanD'accord, on en parlera avec la sage-femme.Okay, we will talk about it with the midwife.
- ManonMerci, c'est rassurant.Thank you, that is reassuring.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “epidural” translations and entries péridurale, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
