vertebra
noun
ver·te·bra
ˈvər-tə-brə 
-ˌbrā
-ˌbrā
plural vertebrae
ˈvər-tə-ˌbrā
-(ˌ)brē
-brə
or vertebras
-(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
Walker said the impact fractured his C5 vertebra, compressing his spinal cord and paralyzing him.
—
Bianca Moreno-Paz, Austin American-Statesman, 8 July 2024
Between each vertebra is a disc that provides cushioning between the bones.
—Jennifer Steinhoff, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2024
Fit starts with torso length, which is typically measured from your C7 vertebra at the base of your neck to the iliac crest at your hips.
—Wes Siler, Outside Online, 14 Aug. 2024
Bone cement is injected through the needle into the vertebra or vertebrae to stabilize the fracture.
—Smita Patel, Verywell Health, 12 July 2024
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Bianca Moreno-Paz, Austin American-Statesman, 8 July 2024
Between each vertebra is a disc that provides cushioning between the bones.
—Jennifer Steinhoff, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2024
Fit starts with torso length, which is typically measured from your C7 vertebra at the base of your neck to the iliac crest at your hips.
—Wes Siler, Outside Online, 14 Aug. 2024
Bone cement is injected through the needle into the vertebra or vertebrae to stabilize the fracture.
—Smita Patel, Verywell Health, 12 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for vertebra
Dictionary Entries Near vertebra
Cite this Entry
“Vertebra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vertebra. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
vertebra
noun
ver·te·bra
ˈvərt-ə-brə
: one of the sections of bone or cartilage that make up the spinal column
Medical Definition
vertebra
noun
ver·te·bra
ˈvərt-ə-brə
: 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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