Other Word Forms
- nonvertebral adjective
- postvertebral adjective
- prevertebral adjective
- subvertebral adjective
- vertebrally adverb
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 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
Also taken to hospital was UAE Team Emirates rider Jay Vine, whose medical director later confirmed had sustained cervical and two thoracic spine vertebral body fractures.
From BBC • Apr. 4, 2024
"In diabetic rats, the way vertebral discs dissipate energy under compression is significantly impaired: diabetes reduces the rotation and stretching of collagen fibrils, indicating a compromised ability to handle pressure," the researchers write.
From Science Daily • Feb. 13, 2024
Skeleton.—The vertebral column of the lamprey is represented by a persistent notochord surrounded by a thick sheath, which shows no signs of invasion by cartilage cells or of segmentation.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 8 "Cube" to "Daguerre, Louis" by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
