vertebra

[ vur-tuh-bruh ]

noun

, Anatomy, Zoology.

, plural ver·te·brae [vur, -t, uh, -bree, -brey], ver·te·bras.

1. any of the bones or segments composing the spinal column, consisting typically of a cylindrical body and an arch with various processes, and forming a foramen, or opening, through which the spinal cord passes.

vertebra

/ ˈvɜːtɪbrə /

noun

1. one of the bony segments of the spinal column

vertebra

/ vûr′tə-brə /

, Plural vertebrae vûr′tə-brā′,-brē′

1. Any of the bones that make up the vertebral column. Each vertebra contains an arched, hollow section through which the spinal cord passes. In humans, the vertebrae are divided into cervical, thoracic, and lumbar sections, and the sacrum and coccyx are both made up of a series of fused vertebrae. The vertebrae are separated by cartilaginous intervertebral disks.
2. See more at skeleton

Derived Forms

• ˈvertebrally, adverb
• ˈvertebral, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of vertebra¹

1570–80; < Latin: (spinal) joint, equivalent to verte ( re ) to turn ( verse ) + -bra noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of vertebra¹

C17: from Latin: joint of the spine, from vertere to turn

Example Sentences

A review of the quarry’s haul reveals a long length of vertebrae from a single animal that connects the two and solves the riddle: Gnatalie, Chiappe confirms, is indeed a previously undiscovered species.

From Los Angeles Times

The nerves near the spinal cord, by the C3 vertebrae, can have an impact on a person's breathing and lung clearing ability.

From BBC

The 85-year-old fell off stage in June whilst performing in Player Kings in London’s West End, breaking his wrist and chipping one of his vertebrae.

From BBC

“My chipped vertebrae and fractured wrist are not yet mended,” McKellen told the magazine.

From Los Angeles Times

His chipped vertebrae and fractured wrist had still to heal, he said, and he was staying ay home a lot more because he was nervous "in case someone bangs into" him.

From BBC