vertebra

IPA/ˈvɜːtɪbrə/
KK[vˈɚtəbrə]IPA/ˈvɜːrtɪbrə/

vertebra — noun

  • vertebrasingular
  • vertebrasplural

1. In the spine, each small connected bone is called a vertebra. Together, vertebra

1.nounB2
Definition

In the spine, each small connected bone is called a vertebra. Together, vertebrae form the backbone, protect the spinal cord, and allow the body to bend and twist.

Example

Dr. Chen examined the X-ray and found a crack in the patient's fifth vertebra.

crack in the [number] vertebra — describing a spinal injury

Keiko's yoga teacher explained how each vertebra moves during a forward bend.

Common collocations
  • fractured vertebra
  • cervical vertebra
  • lumbar vertebra
  • damaged vertebra
  • slipped vertebra
Synonyms
  • spinal bone

    less technical, used in everyday conversation instead of medical contexts

Grammar Patterns

plural: vertebrae

Usage Note

Frequently used in the plural (vertebrae) when describing the spine as a whole. The singular refers to one specific spinal bone.

Common Mistakes

He broke a vertebrae in his lower back.
He broke a vertebra in his lower back.
'Vertebra' is the singular form; 'vertebrae' is the plural.
My vertebra hurt after the long car ride.
My vertebrae hurt after the long car ride.
When referring to the back in general, the plural 'vertebrae' is usually more appropriate.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

A vertebra is a single bone in the spinal column, while 'spine' and 'backbone' refer to the entire column of vertebrae as a whole. 'Spine' is the most neutral medical term — you might hear 'The X-ray showed a problem with your spine.' 'Backbone' is more informal and also appears in figurative language ('Courage is the backbone of leadership'). Use 'vertebra' when you need to talk about one specific bone; use 'spine' or 'spinal column' when referring to the whole structure. For example: 'The fifth vertebra is fractured' (one bone) vs. 'The spine curves to the left' (whole column).

vertebra ↗spine ↗backbone

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • vertebra in the lower back
  • cervical / thoracic / lumbar vertebra

Prepositions

  • between vertebrae
  • in the vertebra

Etymology

LatinEnglish

The word 'vertebra' comes directly from Latin, where it meant 'a joint' or 'something that turns.' It is related to the Latin verb 'vertere' (to turn), because the vertebrae act like joints that let the spine twist and bend. The plural 'vertebrae' follows the Latin plural pattern.

First known use

1578

1578, in the meaning defined above