vertebra

noun

ver·​te·​bra ˈvər-tə-brə  -ˌbrā 

plural vertebrae ˈvər-tə-ˌbrā  -(ˌ)brē  -brə  or vertebras

: 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

Examples of vertebra in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Nod your head, then imagine rolling through your spine, one vertebra at a time. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 4 Aug. 2025

The next highest vertebra — the axis — allows for side-to-side movement of the skull. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 July 2025

In December 2003, Ozzy was seriously injured after an accident with his all-terrain vehicle broke his collarbone, eight ribs and a neck vertebra. —Roy Trakin, HollywoodReporter, 22 July 2025

Before that analysis, the team only knew that the ornithopod vertebra was from the Late Cretaceous period. —Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 17 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin, joint, vertebra, from vertere to turn

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

vertebra

noun

ver·​te·​bra ˈvərt-ə-brə 

plural vertebrae -ˌbrā  -brē 

-brə

or vertebras

: one of the sections of bone or cartilage that make up the spinal column

Medical Definition

vertebra

noun

ver·​te·​bra ˈvərt-ə-brə 

plural vertebrae -ˌbrā  -(ˌ)brē  or vertebras

: 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