spinal column

noun

: the axial skeleton of a vertebrate that consists of an articulated series of vertebrae which extend from the neck to the tail and protect the spinal cord

called also backbone, vertebral column

Examples of spinal column in a Sentence

a diagram of the spinal column
Recent Examples on the Web This places unnecessary pressure on the spinal column and can result in a significant pain and discomfort. Deirdre Mundorf, Discover Magazine, 19 Aug. 2021 These mistaken marks might lead to spina bifida, a disease in which the spinal column fails to form completely. Carl Zimmer, Discover Magazine, 12 Apr. 2023 Neuralink’s application for quadriplegic volunteers, particularly those suffering from spinal column injuries and ALS, is now open. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 21 Sep. 2023 The damage to her brain and spinal column went undiagnosed. Diane Bell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 June 2023 This happens because certain neural pathways for common reflexes pass through synapses in the spinal column, not the brain, for faster reaction time, as in a hand yanked from a hot stove. Jeremy N. Smith, Discover Magazine, 25 Nov. 2022 According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, tethered spinal cord syndrome is a neurologic disorder caused by tissue attachments that limit the movement of the spinal cord within the spinal column. Nikki Dobrin, Peoplemag, 12 Sep. 2023 The sensors monitor the spinal column, internal organs and brain, through the hypothalamus’ own nerve cells. Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 7 Sep. 2023 According to his family, bullet and bone fragments penetrated the spinal column of his neck, with some lodging in. Nicole Acosta, Peoplemag, 9 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spinal column.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spinal column was in 1831

Dictionary Entries Near spinal column

Cite this Entry

“Spinal column.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spinal%20column. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

spinal column

noun

Medical Definition

spinal column

noun
: the articulated series of vertebrae connected by ligaments and separated by more or less elastic intervertebral fibrocartilages that in nearly all vertebrates forms the supporting axis of the body and a protection for the spinal cord and that extends from the hind end of the skull through the median dorsal part of the body to the coccyx or end of the tail

called also backbone, spine, vertebral column

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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