vertebra(复数:vertebrae /ˈvɜːrtɪbreɪ/ 或 vertebras):椎骨;构成脊柱(脊椎)的单块骨头。常用来指人或动物背部一节一节的“脊椎骨”。(在某些语境中也可指“椎骨状结构”的部件。)
/ˈvɜːr.tɪ.brə/
The doctor said I have a problem with one vertebra in my lower back.
医生说我下背部有一节椎骨出了问题。
As the car hit the barrier, the impact traveled up his spine and fractured a vertebra, causing severe pain and numbness in his leg.
汽车撞上护栏时,冲击沿着他的脊柱传递,导致一节椎骨骨折,引发剧烈疼痛并使他的腿部麻木。
来自拉丁语 vertebra,意为“关节、脊骨”,进一步源自动词 vertere(“转动、旋转”)。因为脊柱由多块椎骨连接,能让身体做出弯曲、转动等动作,所以与“转动”这一概念相关。