ˈvər]d.əbrə, ˈvə̄], ˈvəi], ]təb-, ÷-ˌbrā noun
( plural vertebrae -(ˌ)brē, ÷-ˌbrā ; also vertebras )
Etymology: Latin, joint, vertebra; akin to Latin vertere to turn — more at worth
1. : one of the bony or in young or primitive individuals more or less cartilaginous elements that together make up the spinal column of a vertebrate, that in lower forms consists of several imperfectly fused elements, and that in higher vertebrates is a solidly fused structure consisting of a cylindrical centrum articulated with adjacent centra by cartilaginous or elastic pads, a dorsal arch arising from the centrum and providing a protected passage for the spinal cord, and various spinous and articular processes by which the spinal column is stiffened and attached to muscles and other bones (as the ribs)
2. vertebrae plural : spinal column , backbone
3. : any of a series of ossicles that resemble the centrum of a vertebra and form the axis of the arm in most ophiurans