HealthAugust 16, 2026

vertebra

VUR-tuh-bruh

Definition

Any of the individual bony segments that make up the backbone or spinal column.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'vertebra', meaning 'a joint' or 'that which turns,' coming from the verb 'vertere,' meaning 'to turn.'

In the news

The article uses the term to identify specific spinal locations, such as the sacral (S1) or thoracic (T4) segments, to detail where the patient's previous surgeries and spinal issues occurred.

Spine reconstruction restored his life

Read the full article ↗

UCI Health

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