vertebrae

noun

UK /ˈvɜːtɪbreɪ/

US /ˈvɜːrtəbreɪ/

Vertebrae are the small bones that make up your backbone.

The doctor said her vertebrae were healthy and strong.

SYNONYMS

backbones spinal bones vertebral bones spinal segments

RELATED WORDS

spine backbone spinal cord skeleton disc

OTHER MEANINGS

2. The plural form of vertebra, referring to individual bones of the spinal column in anatomy.

Humans have thirty-three vertebrae in their spine.

3. Bony segments forming the spinal column in vertebrate animals.

The fish's vertebrae were visible in the X-ray.

4. Structural units or segments arranged in a series, resembling a backbone.

The bridge's design used vertebrae-like supports along its length.