vertebra

noun

ver·te·bra | \ ˈvər-tə-brə

, -ˌbrā\

plural vertebrae\ ˈvər-tə-ˌbrā

, -(ˌ)brē , -brə

\ or vertebras

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

Examples of vertebra in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

He was later diagnosed with a broken rib, three fractured vertebra and renal failure, which can be life-threatening. — Max Londberg, Cincinnati.com, "Suit: Clermont County officers beat defenseless inmate, breaking his spine in three places," 15 June 2019 The blow had crushed two vertebrae, ending his service. — Washington Post, "For D-Day survivor, perhaps last trip to Omaha Beach," 12 June 2019 The fossil would turn out to include six neck vertebrae, part of the right shoulder blade, and most of the right forelimb. — Brian Switek, Smithsonian, "The Most Massive of Dinos Evolved Earlier Than Previously Thought," 9 July 2018 Supersport: Valentin Debise won in his first race back since suffering two fractured vertebrae in a crash in the Daytona 200 in March. — Dave Kallmann, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Contact, a comeback and a crazy, overdue victory for motorcycle champ Cameron Beaubier," 2 June 2018 The ‘linked’ construction of the silk ruffles reminds me a lot of bones, specifically vertebrae—a link back to my love of anatomical structure. — Laird Borrelli-persson, Vogue, "With Stitchless Garments Designer Katie Roberts-Wood Links Femininity to Strength," 20 Feb. 2019 The discs in your back are rubbery cushions in between your spinal vertebrae (interlocking bones). — Korin Miller, SELF, "You Could Have a Herniated Disc Without Even Realizing It," 11 Sep. 2018 In 1990, the band’s bus crashed in the Pocono mountains, and Estefan sustained a broken vertebra in her back. — Alejandro De La Garza, Time, "5 Refugees Who Changed Modern American History," 20 June 2018 Speight passed for 2,538 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2016 but was sidelined after four games last fall with three broken vertebrae. — Genaro C. Armas, The Seattle Times, "COLLEGE FOOTBALL ’18: Key transfers from Big House to Bayou," 6 Aug. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vertebra.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near vertebra

vertebral aponeurosis

vertebral arch

Statistics for vertebra

Last Updated

18 Jun 2019

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Time Traveler for vertebra

The first known use of vertebra was in 1578

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More Definitions for vertebra

vertebra

noun

English Language Learners Definition of vertebra

technical : one of the small bones that are linked together to form the backbone

See the full definition for vertebra in the English Language Learners Dictionary

vertebra

noun

ver·te·bra | \ ˈvər-tə-brə

plural vertebrae\ -ˌbrā , -brē \

Kids Definition of vertebra

: one of the bony sections making up the backbone

vertebra

noun

ver·te·bra | \ ˈvərt-ə-brə

plural vertebrae\ -ˌbrā

, -(ˌ)brē

\ or vertebras

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