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Definition of vertebra
vertebrae
play play \ˈvər-tə-ˌbrā, -(ˌ)brē, -brə\ orvertebras
: 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
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Recent Examples of vertebra from the Web
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The team also found 32 severed neck vertebrae from individuals who had been sacrificed inside the temple.
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The signature long neck has only seven vertebrae, the same as most mammals.
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Doctors have told Orr that the strength of the tendons and ligaments should protect his C1 vertebra (which is only 80 percent formed), and that’s why Orr was able to get the green light to play.
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After the 24-foot fall shattered a vertebra, doctors told him he wouldn’t walk again.
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Archaeologists have also found 32 severed male neck vertebrae in a pile just off the court — probably sacrifices linked to the Aztec ballgame.
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Autopsies showed both victims died from stab wounds to their necks and Best also had a fractured vertebra.
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Doctors believed the vertebrae would heal without surgery, but that meant spending an extended period in bed and keeping movement to a minimum, all the while wearing a neck brace.
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His team released a statement on Sunday revealing that Almirola had fractured his T5 vertebra.
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.
Origin and Etymology of vertebra
Latin, joint, vertebra, from vertere to turn
VERTEBRA Defined for English Language Learners
vertebra
playDefinition of vertebra for English Language Learners
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: one of the small bones that are linked together to form the backbone
VERTEBRA Defined for Kids
vertebra
playDefinition of vertebra for Students
vertebrae
\-ˌbrā, -brē\: one of the bony sections making up the backbone
Word Root of vertebra
The Latin word vertere, meaning “to turn” or “to change,” and its form versus give us the roots vert and vers. Words from the Latin vertere have something to do with turning or changing. Anything versatile, or able to do or be used for many different things, can change its task easily. A vertebra is a bone in the spine that allows an animal to turn its head or body. To avert is to turn away. To divert is to turn aside onto a new path. To revert is to turn back to a former way of being.
Medical Dictionary
vertebra
playMedical Definition of vertebra
vertebrae
\-ˌbrā, -(ˌ)brē\play play orvertebras
: 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
Illustration of vertebra
Learn More about vertebra
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See words that rhyme with vertebra Spanish Central: Translation of vertebra Nglish: Translation of vertebra for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of vertebra for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vertebra
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