spinal column

noun

Synonyms of spinal columnnext
: 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

Synonyms of spinal column

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Examples of spinal column in a Sentence

a diagram of the spinal column
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In Hrubec’s lab, the malformations took a different form — neural tube defects similar to spina bifida in humans, in which parts of the spinal column fail to close, or anencephaly, where the skull and brain never fully develop. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026 The pair then set about convincing non-profits that handle organ donation to send them the spinal columns of deceased donors. — Richard Nieva, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 The drug needed to be infused directly into the spinal column. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 15 Apr. 2026 The creatures on this list literally lack spinal columns…and yet attain relatively massive proportions. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spinal column

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for spinal column

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Browse Nearby Words

spinal canal
spinal column
spinal cord
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Cite this Entry

“Spinal column.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spinal%20column. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

spinal column

noun
: backbone sense 1

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

More from Merriam-Webster on spinal column

Nglish: Translation of spinal column for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spinal column

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