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. Also called: spine.  vertebral column.  rachis. Nontechnical name: backbone. a series of contiguous or interconnecting bony or cartilaginous segments that surround and protect the spinal cord

spinal column

1. See vertebral column

Word History and Origins

Origin of spinal column¹

First recorded in 1830–40