noun
- any of the small bones that form the backbone or spinal column
Usage: anatomy
Examples
- The doctor pointed to the damaged vertebra on the X-ray.
- Each vertebra protects part of the spinal cord.
- She fractured her fifth lumbar vertebra in the accident.
- The vertebra has a hollow center where the spinal cord passes through.
- Physical therapy helped strengthen the muscles around her injured vertebra.
- The surgeon removed bone fragments from the crushed vertebra.