English

Alternative forms

• vertebræ
• vertebras

Noun

vertebrae

1. plural form of vertebra; the bones that make up the spinal column.

Usage notes

Usually in English, the Latin diphthong ae is Anglicized as /i/, a long e sound. The original Latin diphthong was pronounced /aɪ/, as a long i. The pronunciation of vertebrae ending in /eɪ/ with a long a is undoubtedly more common, but generally frowned upon by orthoepists as it is not supported by etymology (like the long i) or analogy (like the long e), only usage. Since all three are supported by their own argument, they are all acceptable.

Latin

Noun

vertebrae

1. nominative plural of vertebra
2. genitive singular of vertebra
3. dative singular of vertebra
4. vocative plural of vertebra