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

While their small stature doesn't stop them from attempting daring leaps onto furniture, their bodies are particularly prone to back injuries, including intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), a common condition among dachshunds. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025

The bones are stacked on top of each other, separated by spongy cartilage called intervertebral discs. —Bethany Brookshire, Scientific American, 25 Jan. 2025

Despite this, our intervertebral discs bear the mass cheerfully—even improving in response to exercise. —Bethany Brookshire, Scientific American, 25 Jan. 2025

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

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for intervertebral disc

• basilisk
• bisque
• brisk
• disk
• fisc
• fisk
• frisk
• risk
• whisk
• videodisc

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