vertebra

noun

ver·​te·​bra ˈvər-tə-brə How to pronounce vertebra (audio) -ˌbrā How to pronounce vertebra (audio)
plural vertebrae ˈvər-tə-ˌbrā How to pronounce vertebra (audio) -(ˌ)brē How to pronounce vertebra (audio) -brə How to pronounce vertebra (audio) or vertebras
: one of the bony or cartilaginous segments composing the spinal column, consisting in some lower vertebrates of several distinct elements which never become united, and in higher vertebrates having a short more or less cylindrical body whose ends articulate by pads of elastic or cartilaginous tissue with those of adjacent vertebrae and a bony arch that encloses the spinal cord

Examples of vertebra 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.
Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which a vertebra in the spine slips out of alignment and puts pressure on the vertebrae below it, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024 Spondylolisthesis is when one of the bones in your spine, called a vertebra, slips forward. Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024 The cancer also damaged a vertebra in her spine, requiring her to wear a neck brace for more than six months. Maria Sole Campinoti, CNN, 2 Dec. 2024 Walker said the impact fractured his C5 vertebra, compressing his spinal cord and paralyzing him. Bianca Moreno-Paz, Austin American-Statesman, 8 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for vertebra 

Word History

Etymology

Latin, joint, vertebra, from vertere to turn

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vertebra was in 1578

Dictionary Entries Near vertebra

Cite this Entry

“Vertebra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vertebra. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

vertebra

noun
ver·​te·​bra ˈvərt-ə-brə How to pronounce vertebra (audio)
plural vertebrae -ˌbrā How to pronounce vertebra (audio) -brē How to pronounce vertebra (audio)
-brə
or vertebras
: one of the sections of bone or cartilage that make up the spinal column

Medical Definition

vertebra

noun
ver·​te·​bra ˈvərt-ə-brə How to pronounce vertebra (audio)
plural vertebrae -ˌbrā How to pronounce vertebra (audio) -(ˌ)brē How to pronounce vertebra (audio) or vertebras
: any of the bony or cartilaginous segments that make up the spinal column and that have a short more or less cylindrical body whose ends articulate by pads of elastic or cartilaginous tissue with those of adjacent vertebrae and a bony arch that encloses the spinal cord
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