verb (used with object), mortified, mortifying. 1. to humiliate or shame, as by injury to one's pride or self-respect. 2. to subjugate (the body, passions, etc.) by abstinence, ascetic discipline, or self-inflicted suffering. 3. Pathology. to affect with gangrene or necrosis. verb (used without object), mortified, mortifying.
spinal tap noun. plural spinal taps. spinal tap. noun. plural spinal taps. Learner's definition of SPINAL TAP. [count] medical. : a procedure in which a needle is inserted into the spinal cord in order to take out fluid or inject medicine.
1 A syringe is attached to the spinal needle to draw out the fluid. The fluid can also be allowed to drip into a collection tube.  A lumbar tap (also called lumbar puncture) is performed in the lower back of a patient. The area is shaved and sterilized, and a spinal needle is inserted.