intervertebral disc

noun

variants or intervertebral disk
plural intervertebral discs also intervertebral disks
: any of the tough elastic discs that are interposed between the centra of adjoining vertebrae and that consist of an outer fibrous ring enclosing an inner pulpy nucleus

Examples of intervertebral disc in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Dachshunds are among a number of breeds at risk of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which is a neurological condition affecting the spinal cord, vertebrae, or back bones. Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of intervertebral disc was in 1841

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Cite this Entry

“Intervertebral disc.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intervertebral%20disc. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

intervertebral disc

noun
variants or intervertebral disk
: any of the tough elastic discs that are interposed between the centra of adjoining vertebrae and that consist of an outer annulus fibrosus enclosing an inner nucleus pulposus
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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