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

From there, reverse the movement by flexing one vertebra at a time, starting at the neck and moving down through the mid-back and low back. — Danielle Zickl, Health, 15 June 2026

Hernandez-Mendoza was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was diagnosed with a fracture of the cervical vertebra and pelvic fractures. — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 15 May 2026

The former mayor suffered a fractured vertebra after his vehicle was rear-ended on Interstate 93. — Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 4 May 2026

In 2025 Giuliani suffered a fractured vertebra, as well as cuts, bruising and injuries to his left arm and lower leg in a car crash in New Hampshire. — Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 3 May 2026

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