Plural of Vertebra
The anatomical noun “vertebra” has two recorded plural forms: “vertebrae” and “vertebras.” Merriam-Webster records both, while Cambridge foregrounds “vertebrae.” Present both as accepted general-English forms unless a medical, anatomical, or house style explicitly requires one.
Both “vertebrae” and “vertebras” are dictionary-recorded plurals of “vertebra.”
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| one spinal segment | vertebra | Singular. |
| more than one | vertebrae | Accepted plural; foregrounded by Cambridge. |
| more than one | vertebras | Also recorded by Merriam-Webster. |
Quick tests
Plural-choice test
Are you referring to more than one vertebra?
If yes: Use accepted “vertebrae” or “vertebras,” subject to specialist style.
If no: Use singular “vertebra.”
Caveat: A specialist document may impose a local preference, but this general-English guide does not invent one.
Examples
The scan shows damage to two vertebrae.
“Vertebrae” is an accepted plural.
The model labels the vertebras individually.
“Vertebras” is also dictionary-recorded.
One vertebra was fractured.
One takes singular “vertebra.”
Further guidance
Core difference
Use “vertebrae” or “vertebras” for more than one vertebra; follow a controlling specialist style where applicable.
Fast Test
If a medical or publication style guide specifies a form, follow it; otherwise both are dictionary-recorded.
Usage Boundary
Do not label “vertebras” wrong or claim “vertebrae” is mandatory everywhere without stronger field-specific authority.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- VERTEBRA Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster (opens in a new tab)Merriam-Webster · Merriam-Webster records plural vertebrae or vertebras.
- VERTEBRA | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Cambridge records vertebrae as the plural of vertebra in anatomical use.