vertebra

ver·te·bra

noun \ˈvər-tə-brə, -ˌbrā\

plural ver·te·brae\-ˌbrā, -(ˌ)brē, -brə\ or ver·te·bras

Definition of VERTEBRA

: one of the bony or cartilaginous segments composing the spinal column, consisting in some lower vertebrates of several distinct elements which never become united, and in higher vertebrates having a short more or less cylindrical body whose ends articulate by pads of elastic or cartilaginous tissue with those of adjacent vertebrae and a bony arch that encloses the spinal cord

Origin of VERTEBRA

Latin, joint, vertebra, from vertere to turn

First Known Use: 1578

Rhymes with VERTEBRA

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ver·te·bra

noun \ˈvərt-ə-brə\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; ver·te·brae \-ˌbrā, -(ˌ)brē\ (audio pronunciation) (audio pronunciation)or ; ver·te·bras

Medical Definition of VERTEBRA

: any of the bony or cartilaginous segments that make up the spinal column and that have a short more or less cylindrical body whose ends articulate by pads of elastic or cartilaginous tissue with those of adjacent vertebrae and a bony arch that encloses the spinal cord

Illustration of VERTEBRA