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Synonyms

spinal column

American  

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 British  

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

spinal column Scientific  
/ spīnəl /

Etymology

Origin of spinal column

First recorded in 1830–40

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The cells are processed in a lab with biological proteins designed to promote nerve growth, and then injected into the spinal column.

From Seattle Times

Many US citizens travel to Mexico for cosmetic procedures such as liposuction, breast augmentation and Brazilian butt lifts, which all require the injection of an anaesthetic into the area around the spinal column.

From BBC

The spinal implant amplified weak signals from the brain to the damaged part of the spinal column and was boosted further by pre-programmed signals from a computer.

From BBC

All are female Texas residents in their 30s to their 50s, and all had undergone surgeries in Matamoros that involved an epidural: an anesthetic injection around the spinal column.

From Scientific American

These events conspicuously occur before the evolution of major novelties like the spinal column in vertebrates, flowers in plants, and fermentation in yeast.

From Scientific American