1.
spine; vertebra; spinal column
The series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the pelvis, enclosing the spinal cord and providing structural support.
脊椎 is the technical/medical term for the spine or vertebral column. In everyday conversation, 背骨 (backbone) is far more common.
Compounds
- 脊椎動物: vertebrate (animal with a spine)
- 脊椎損傷: spinal injury
- 脊椎カリエス: spinal tuberculosis
- 脊椎矯正: spinal correction/chiropractic
Similar words
- 背骨: backbone (everyday, conversational)
- 脊柱: spinal column (technical, refers to the entire column)
- 脊髄: spinal cord (the nerve tissue inside the spine — not the bones)
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Used primarily in medical, scientific, and formal contexts. In casual speech, say 背骨 instead.