vertebra

noun

ver·​te·​bra ˈvər-tə-brə  -ˌbrā 

plural vertebrae ˈvər-tə-ˌbrā  -(ˌ)brē  -brə  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

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

Word History

Etymology

Latin, joint, vertebra, from vertere to turn

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

vertebra

noun

ver·​te·​bra ˈvərt-ə-brə 

plural vertebrae -ˌbrā  -brē 

-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 

plural vertebrae -ˌbrā  -(ˌ)brē  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