What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vertebral
Example
The vertebral column is made up of 33 vertebrae. [vertebral: adjective]
Example
The patient was diagnosed with a vertebral fracture after a car accident. [vertebral: adjective]
vertebrae
Example
The human body has 33 vertebrae in total. [vertebrae: noun]
Example
The herniated disc was located between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae. [vertebrae: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vertebrae is more commonly used than vertebral in everyday language. Vertebrae is a more general term that can be used in various contexts, while vertebral is more specific and often used in medical or anatomical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between vertebral and vertebrae?
Both vertebral and vertebrae are formal words that are typically used in medical or scientific contexts.
