vertebra

noun

ver·​te·​bra ˈvər-tə-brə How to pronounce vertebra (audio) -ˌbrā How to pronounce vertebra (audio)
plural vertebrae ˈvər-tə-ˌbrā How to pronounce vertebra (audio) -(ˌ)brē How to pronounce vertebra (audio) -brə How to pronounce vertebra (audio) 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 Fit starts with torso length, which is typically measured from your C7 vertebra at the base of your neck to the iliac crest at your hips. Wes Siler, Outside Online, 14 Aug. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for vertebra 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vertebra.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin, joint, vertebra, from vertere to turn

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vertebra was in 1578

Dictionary Entries Near vertebra

Cite this Entry

“Vertebra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vertebra. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

vertebra

noun
ver·​te·​bra ˈvərt-ə-brə How to pronounce vertebra (audio)
plural vertebrae -ˌbrā How to pronounce vertebra (audio) -brē How to pronounce vertebra (audio)
-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 How to pronounce vertebra (audio)
plural vertebrae -ˌbrā How to pronounce vertebra (audio) -(ˌ)brē How to pronounce vertebra (audio) 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!