spinal column

noun

1. the series of vertebrae in a vertebrate animal forming the axis of the skeleton and protecting the spinal cord; spine; backbone.

spinal column

noun

1. a series of contiguous or interconnecting bony or cartilaginous segments that surround and protect the spinal cord Also calledspinevertebral columnrachis Nontechnical namebackbone

spinal column

/ spī′nəl /

1. See vertebral column

Word History and Origins

Origin of spinal column¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Whenever you stretch a muscle, these sensory receptors tell neurons within the muscle to fire a signal back to the central nervous system through the spinal column.

From Popular-Science

Adult lampreys have a spinal column and swim through the water in search of fish, which they latch onto and bleed out with a tooth-filled mouth.

From Popular-Science

Addiction, through her prism, is a small price to pay for relief from a twisted spinal column.

From The Daily Beast

The very first chords which Mademoiselle Reisz struck upon the piano sent a keen tremor down Mrs. Pontellier's spinal column.

From Project Gutenberg

Something akin to a chill moved along Bill's spinal column at the thought.

From Project Gutenberg

Take the scalpel and sever the spinal column without cutting the larynx.

From Project Gutenberg

This muscle (tendinous in the centre) is attached to the spinal column (behind) and to the last six or seven ribs.

From Project Gutenberg

Headaches may be occasioned by disorders of the brain and spinal column, such as meningitis.

From Project Gutenberg