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vertebral

American  
[vur-tuh-bruhl] / ˈvɜr tə brəl /

adjective

  1. of or relating to a vertebra or the vertebrae; spinal.

  2. resembling a vertebra.

  3. composed of or having vertebrae.


Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of vertebral

First recorded in 1675–85; vertebr(a) + -al 1

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.

See Examples For:

The connection, Drew and his colleagues determined, is the vertebral venous plexus, a network of veins that connects the abdomen to the spine in mice and humans alike.

From Los Angeles Times May 7, 2026

The pressure is transmitted through the vertebral venous plexus, a network of veins linking the abdomen to the spinal cavity, which leads to slight brain movement.

From Science Daily May 1, 2026

The team found part of the dinosaur's skull, a complete vertebral column extending to the tail, and nearly intact forelimbs and hindlimbs, said CONICET.

From Barron's Oct. 16, 2025

While exact causes are not entirely clear, experts say it happens due to a combo of things including muscle weakness, vertebral fractures, and degenerative disc disease.

From Slate Feb. 27, 2025

Inver′tebrate, an animal destitute of a skull and vertebral column.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various

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