spinal column

noun

: the axial skeleton of a vertebrate that consists of an articulated series of vertebrae which extend from the neck to the tail and protect the spinal cord

called also backbone, vertebral column

Synonyms of spinal column

• spine
• vertebral column

Examples of spinal column in a Sentence

a diagram of the spinal column

Recent Examples on the Web

Spinal stenosis, which causes the spinal column to tighten, and kyphosis, which causes a curved spine, are two types. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 1 Nov. 2025

Deshong told the jury the inmate suffered a fractured spine that required surgery because there was blood in his spinal column. —Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Oct. 2025

Both neck shots had hit solidly but had missed the spinal column. —Bob Cary, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2025

Inside the operating room To correct his spine, John needed rods placed on either side of his spinal column along 13 vertebrae. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 23 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for spinal column

• collum
• sholom
• slalom
• solemn

Kids Definition

spinal column

noun

: backbone sense 1

Medical Definition

spinal column

noun

: the articulated series of vertebrae connected by ligaments and separated by more or less elastic intervertebral fibrocartilages that in nearly all vertebrates forms the supporting axis of the body and a protection for the spinal cord and that extends from the hind end of the skull through the median dorsal part of the body to the coccyx or end of the tail

called also backbone, spine, vertebral column