1.
spine; vertebra; spinal column
The series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the pelvis, enclosing the spinal cord and providing structural support.
脊椎を真っすぐにして座る。
Sit with your spine straight.
脊椎動物は背骨を持つ。
Vertebrates have a backbone.
脊椎の病気で手術を受けた。
I had surgery for a spinal condition.
脊椎 is the technical/medical term for the spine or vertebral column. In everyday conversation, 背骨 (backbone) is far more common.
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)
REGISTER:
Used primarily in medical, scientific, and formal contexts. In casual speech, say 背骨 instead.