Other Word Forms
- nonvertebral adjective
- postvertebral adjective
- prevertebral adjective
- subvertebral adjective
- vertebrally adverb
Etymology
Origin of vertebral
First recorded in 1675–85; vertebr(a) + -al 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Among the various types of fractures caused by osteoporosis, compression fractures of the spine, known as osteoporotic vertebral fractures, are the most common.
From Science Daily • Nov. 11, 2025
The team found part of the dinosaur's skull, a complete vertebral column extending to the tail, and nearly intact forelimbs and hindlimbs, said CONICET.
From Barron's • Oct. 16, 2025
While exact causes are not entirely clear, experts say it happens due to a combo of things including muscle weakness, vertebral fractures, and degenerative disc disease.
From Slate • Feb. 27, 2025
Also taken to hospital was UAE Team Emirates rider Jay Vine, whose medical director later confirmed had sustained cervical and two thoracic spine vertebral body fractures.
From BBC • Apr. 4, 2024
Invertebral, in-vėrt′e-bral, Invertebrate, in-vėrt′ebrāt, adj. without a vertebral column or backbone: weak, irresolute.—n.pl.
From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
