vertebra

[vur-tuh-bruh]

noun

Anatomy, Zoology.

plural

vertebrae, vertebras 

1. any of the bones or segments composing the spinal column, consisting typically of a cylindrical body and an arch with various processes, and forming a foramen, or opening, through which the spinal cord passes.

vertebra

/ ˈvɜːtɪbrə /

noun

1. one of the bony segments of the spinal column

vertebra

plural

vertebrae 

1. Any of the bones that make up the vertebral column. Each vertebra contains an arched, hollow section through which the spinal cord passes. In humans, the vertebrae are divided into cervical, thoracic, and lumbar sections, and the sacrum and coccyx are both made up of a series of fused vertebrae. The vertebrae are separated by cartilaginous intervertebral disks.

2. See more at skeleton

Other Word Forms

• vertebrally adverb
• vertebral adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of vertebra¹

1570–80; < Latin: (spinal) joint, equivalent to verte ( re ) to turn ( verse ) + -bra noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of vertebra¹

C17: from Latin: joint of the spine, from vertere to turn

Example Sentences

The 40-year-old Briton was airlifted to hospital after sustaining five broken ribs, a collapsed lung and a lumbar vertebrae fracture in the training crash.

From BBC

He sustained a fractured thoracic vertebra, lacerations, and injuries to his arm and leg.

From Salon

"He was diagnosed with a fractured thoracic vertebrae, multiple lacerations and contusions, as well as injuries to his left arm and lower leg," the statement from security guard Michael Ragusa adds.

From BBC

The 40-year-old Briton was airlifted to hospital on Wednesday after sustaining five broken ribs, a collapsed lung and a lumbar vertebrae fracture in the training crash in southern France.

From BBC

However, scans showed Froome has five broken ribs, a collapsed lung and a lumbar vertebrae fracture.

From BBC