vertebrae

[/ˈvɜːrtəbreɪ/]
nounfemininepl: vertebrae (plural form, singular: vertebra)
vértebras
1. Small bones that form the backbone or spine, stacked one upon another to create the vertebral column
The vertebrae protect the spinal cord from injury.
As vértebras protegem a medula espinhal de lesões.
2. Individual segments of the spine that allow for movement and flexibility
Each vertebra in the cervical region has specific anatomical features.
Cada vértebra na região cervical tem características anatômicas específicas.
In both American and Brazilian medical contexts, 'vertebrae' is used identically as a technical anatomical term. The word carries no cultural variation and is primarily used in medical, educational, and healthcare settings. In Portuguese-speaking countries, the term 'vértebras' is equally standardized in medical practice.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
spinal bonesbackbone segmentsvertebral elements

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
vértebras
Standard medical and anatomical term used throughout Brazil
Portugal
vértebras
Same usage as Brazilian Portuguese; identical terminology
Medical Portuguese
vértebras
Used in medical, anatomical, and clinical contexts across all Portuguese-speaking regions

Related Words

spinebackbonespinal cordcervical vertebraelumbar vertebraethoracic vertebraesacrumcoccyx

Related Idioms & Phrases

to break one's back/vertebrae - sofrer uma lesão grave na coluna
backbone of society - a espinha dorsal da sociedade (uses related metaphor)
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