intervertebral disc

noun

variants or intervertebral disk
plural intervertebral discs also intervertebral disks
: any of the tough elastic discs that are interposed between the centra of adjoining vertebrae and that consist of an outer fibrous ring enclosing an inner pulpy nucleus

Examples of intervertebral disc in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Smoking and genetics can also affect the strength and durability of intervertebral discs. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 11 Nov. 2024 The spine is actually 33 bones stacked together by joints and cushioned by a soft-shock absorber called the intervertebral disc. Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 The intervertebral discs consist of a tough outer layer called the annulus fibrosus and a gel-like inner core called the nucleus pulposus. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 25 June 2023 Dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease, or other orthopedic concerns usually benefit from the support a harder bed offers. Dallas News, 22 Dec. 2022 Your spine has 23 intervertebral disks between its vertebrae that act as shock absorbers. Roy Berendson, Popular Mechanics, 22 May 2018 Dogs or cats with long backs such as dachshunds or munchkins are susceptible to ruptured intervertebral disks. Kim Campbell Thornton, sacbee, 8 Dec. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of intervertebral disc was in 1841

Dictionary Entries Near intervertebral disc

Cite this Entry

“Intervertebral disc.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intervertebral%20disc. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

intervertebral disc

noun
variants or intervertebral disk
: any of the tough elastic discs that are interposed between the centra of adjoining vertebrae and that consist of an outer annulus fibrosus enclosing an inner nucleus pulposus
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!