vertebra
Syllabification: (ver·te·bra)
Pronunciation: /ˈvərtəbrə/
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Definition of vertebra
noun ( plural vertebrae /-ˌbrē, -ˌbrā/)
- each of the series of small bones forming the backbone, having several projections for articulation and muscle attachment, and a hole through which the spinal cord passes.
In the human spine (or vertebral column) there are seven cervical vertebrae (in the neck), twelve thoracic vertebrae (to which the ribs are attached), and five lumbar vertebrae (in the lower back). In addition, five fused vertebrae form the sacrum, and four the coccyx
Derivatives
Origin:
early 17th century: from Latin, from vertere 'to turn'
