spinal column

noun

1. the series of vertebrae in a vertebrate animal forming the axis of the skeleton and protecting the spinal cord; spine; backbone.

spinal column

noun

1. a series of contiguous or interconnecting bony or cartilaginous segments that surround and protect the spinal cord Also calledspinevertebral columnrachis Nontechnical namebackbone

spinal column

/ spī′nəl /

1. See vertebral column

Word History and Origins

Origin of spinal column¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Dr. Nazzal said that Basil Ghazawi had been receiving treatment in the hospital’s rehabilitation ward since late October, when he was paralyzed by shrapnel from an Israeli drone strike that hit his spinal column.

From New York Times

The cells are processed in a lab with biological proteins designed to promote nerve growth, and then injected into the spinal column.

From Seattle Times

His voice was silenced by the bullet that had quickly passed through his neck and spinal column.

From Literature

Court documents said one of the stabs pierced her spinal column and likely paralyzed her.

From Washington Times

Many US citizens travel to Mexico for cosmetic procedures such as liposuction, breast augmentation and Brazilian butt lifts, which all require the injection of an anaesthetic into the area around the spinal column.

From BBC