any of the bones or segments composing the spinal column, consisting typically of a cylindrical body and an arch with various processes, and forming a foramen, or opening, through which the spinal cord passes.
Origin: 1570–80; < L: (spinal) joint, equiv. to verte(re) to turn (see verse) + -bra n. suffix
1615, from L. vertebra "joint or articulation of the body, joint of the spine" (pl. vertebræ), perhaps from vertere "to turn" (see versus) + instrum. suffix -bra. The notion is of the spine as the "hinge" of the body. Vertebrate (n.) is from 1826, from L. vertebratus (Pliny).
Main Entry: ver·te·bra Pronunciation: 'v&rt-&-br& Function: noun Inflected Form: pluralver·te·brae/-"brA, -(")brE/or-bras : any of the bony or cartilaginous segments that make up the spinal column and that have a short more or less cylindrical body whoseends articulate by pads of elastic or cartilaginous tissue with those of adjacent vertebrae and a bony arch that encloses the spinal cord
vertebra ver·te·bra (vûr'tə-brə) n.pl.ver·te·bras or ver·te·brae (-brā', -brē') Any of the bones or cartilaginous segments of the spinal column, usually 33 in number.