# vertebrae

/ˈvɝtəˌbɹeɪ/ (US) · /vˈɜːtɪbɹˌiː/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/vertebrae
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

the small bones that connect to form your spine or backbone. They protect your spinal cord and help you stand up straight.

For teachers: the individual bony segments that constitute the spinal column in vertebrate animals. Plural form of 'vertebra'.

## Examples

- The doctor checked the patient's vertebrae for any signs of injury.
- A typical human spine consists of thirty-three vertebrae stacked on top of each other to provide structural support.
- The fossilized remains were remarkably well-preserved, allowing the paleontologists to count each of the cervical vertebrae and determine the creature's neck length.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The vertebrae is broken" but "The vertebrae are broken" — Vertebrae is the plural form; it requires a plural verb. Use 'vertebra' for a single bone.

## Usage notes

- Takes plural verb agreement. The singular form is 'vertebra', following Latin declension patterns.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.