vertebral column

noun

1. spinal column.

vertebral column

noun

1. another name for spinal column

vertebral column

/ vûr′tə-brəl /

1. The series of vertebrae extending from the base of the skull to the tip of the tail that forms the supporting axis of the body in vertebrate animals. In humans and tailless apes, the vertebral column ends with the coccyx (tailbone). It encloses and protects the spinal cord and provides a stable attachment for the muscles of the trunk.
2. Also called backbone spinal column, spine

Word History and Origins

Origin of vertebral column¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

With one incision Balsamo separated the vertebral column a couple of inches from the brain, and opened a yawning gash.

From Project Gutenberg

The vertebral column itself is limp and soft, the vertebræ only imperfectly formed and made of soft cartilage.

From Project Gutenberg

A single one of these fist-blows, planted in the back, would suffice to break the vertebral column.

From Project Gutenberg

Such a folding might take place to give extra rigidity to the body in the absence of a vertebral column.

From Project Gutenberg

Such a folding as this might take place to give extra rigidity to the body in the absence of a vertebral column.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• foundation
• spine