/ˈvɜ:tɪbrə ||; ˈvɝtəbrə/noun [C] (plural vertebrae /-breɪ; US -bri: ||; -bri/) any of the small bones that are connected together to form the column of bones down the middle of your back(spine) （脊柱的）椎骨 ☞picture at body 见body插图 ➔vertebral adj