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vertebrae. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
vertebrae, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
vertebrae in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
vertebrae you have here. The definition of the word
vertebrae will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
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English
Alternative forms
Pronunciation
Noun
vertebrae
- 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
Latin
Pronunciation
Noun
vertebrae f
- inflection of vertebra:
- genitive/dative singular
- nominative/vocative plural