spinal column

noun

: the axial skeleton of a vertebrate that consists of an articulated series of vertebrae which extend from the neck to the tail and protect the spinal cord

called also backbone, vertebral column

Synonyms

• backbone
• chine
• spine
• vertebral column

Examples of spinal column in a Sentence

a diagram of the spinal column

Recent Examples on the Web

The populist and segregationist Democrat who famously blocked Black students from entering the University of Alabama wasn’t killed in the attack but ended up paralyzed from the waist down; one of the bullets had lodged in his spinal column, his presidential campaign cut short. —Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 14 July 2024

Spinal Metastasis Sometimes, lung cancer spreads to the spinal column (known as spinal metastasis). —Joy Emeh, Health, 3 July 2024

The fall, Reeve's doctors say, caused multiple fractures of the first and second cervical vertebrae in his spinal column, those closest to the skull — a grievous injury that has left the actor paralyzed, unable to use any of his limbs or even to breathe without the aid of a respirator. —People Staff, Peoplemag, 27 May 2024

The left side of the brain controls the right side of the body and vice versa because the nerves originating in the brain cross over into the lower brain stem before entering the spinal column. —Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 2 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

spinal column

noun

: backbone sense 1

Medical Definition

spinal column

noun

: the articulated series of vertebrae connected by ligaments and separated by more or less elastic intervertebral fibrocartilages that in nearly all vertebrates forms the supporting axis of the body and a protection for the spinal cord and that extends from the hind end of the skull through the median dorsal part of the body to the coccyx or end of the tail

called also backbone, spine, vertebral column