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

Bone cement is injected through the needle into the vertebra or vertebrae to stabilize the fracture. —Smita Patel, Verywell Health, 12 July 2024

Each delicate neuronal level is encircled by a ring of bone — a vertebra — that interlocks with its mates but leaves an opening between them to the left and right. —Tony Dajer, Discover Magazine, 13 June 2024

Adding to Harold’s diagnostic variables, the bony spine extends to the tailbone, but the spinal cord ends at the first lumbar vertebra, roughly at the belly button. —Tony Dajer, Discover Magazine, 13 June 2024

Instead, Earley focused on another injury identified in Susann Sills' autopsy: that fractured C3 vertebra. —Tracy Smith, CBS News, 18 May 2024

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