Vertebra

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈvɜːtɪbɹə/

Origin

From Latin vertebra ("joint"), from vertere ("to turn"). Having multiple vertebrae (plural of vertebra) in one's backbone instead of having a single bone or solid spine, allows for the movement of the body with bends and turns. Hence meaning 1.

Full definition of vertebra

Noun

1. Any of the small bones which make up the backbone.

Derived terms

• intervertebral
• vertebrate
• vertebral
• vertebrally
• cervical vertebra
• coccygeal vertebra
• lumbar vertebra
• sacral vertebra
• thoracic vertebra