What does vertebra mean?
A vertebra is one of the individual bones that make up the vertebral column, the flexible structure commonly called the backbone. These bones vary in shape according to their positions and functions, with distinct groups of cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal vertebrae. Together they support the head and torso, permit movement, and protect the spinal cord. The singular form is “vertebra,” while the standard plural is “vertebrae,” a pattern that may initially look unusual to English speakers. In clinical writing, the word commonly occurs in phrases referring to a particular region of the spine or to injuries such as fractures and compression. “Vertebra” is more precise than “backbone,” because it identifies a single bone rather than the entire spinal column. The term is therefore especially useful in anatomy, medicine, biology, and discussions of posture, movement, and spinal injury.
nounA vertebra is one of the bones forming the vertebral column, or backbone. Together, vertebrae support the body and form a protective canal around the spinal cord.
- An individual bone forming part of the vertebral column in an animal.
"The scan revealed a small fracture in one of the vertebrae of his lower back."
"A herniated disc can place pressure on a nearby vertebra and the nerves around it."
"Anatomists divide the vertebrae into cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal groups."
The standard plural form is vertebrae. In anatomical and medical prose, it commonly follows a number or a part of the spine, as in “the lumbar vertebrae.”
"The scan showed compression fractures in three vertebrae."
The word’s Latin root means “to turn”—a fitting origin for bones that let the back bend and twist.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does vertebra come from?
The English word comes from Latin vertebra, a term related to vertere, meaning “to turn.” The connection reflects the role of vertebrae in allowing the spine to bend and rotate. The word entered English usage during the early 17th century and subsequently became a central anatomical term, with the plural vertebrae retaining the Latin ending -ae.
Related word forms
How vertebra is actually used
This is chiefly an anatomical and medical term. In general writing, “backbone” is broader and less precise, while “vertebra” refers to a single bone.
Easily confused with vertebra
A vertebra is an individual bone of the backbone, whereas a vertebrate is an animal belonging to the vertebrate group, including fishes, birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.