vertebrae

See also: vertebræ

English

Alternative forms

• vertebræ, vertebras

Pronunciation

• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˈvɝ.təˌbɹeɪ/, /ˈvɝ.təˌbɹi/, /ˈvɝ.təˌbɹaɪ/

Noun

vertebrae

1. plural 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.

Anagrams

• reverbate, verberate

Latin

Pronunciation

• (Classical Latin) IPA^(key): /ˈu̯er.te.brae̯/, [ˈu̯ɛrt̪ɛbräe̯]
• (modern Italianate Ecclesiastical) IPA^(key): /ˈver.te.bre/, [ˈvɛrt̪ebre]

Noun

vertebrae f

1. inflection of vertebra:
   1. genitive/dative singular
   2. nominative/vocative plural