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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.

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

After one to two months of treatment, mice treated with PTH showed clear improvements in their vertebral endplates, the thin layers that separate spinal discs from vertebrae.

From Science Daily • Mar. 23, 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

In contracting, this muscle brings the chest nearer the pelvis, and as a result flexes the vertebral column.

From Artistic Anatomy of Animals by Cuyer, ?douard