spinal column: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Medical, formal, technical
Quick answer
What does “spinal column” mean?
The central supporting bony structure of the body, composed of vertebrae, extending from the skull to the pelvis.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The central supporting bony structure of the body, composed of vertebrae, extending from the skull to the pelvis; the backbone.
Can be used metaphorically to denote a central support, source of strength, or essential framework of an organization or system.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term identically in formal/medical contexts. 'Spine' is more common in general British English, while 'backbone' is more frequent in American informal speech.
Connotations
Neutral clinical term in both varieties. No significant connotative differences.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday conversation in both UK and US; high frequency in medical/biological contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “spinal column” in a Sentence
[Verb] + the spinal column: protect/support/injure/align/fuse the spinal column[Adjective] + spinal column: entire/human/cervical/thoracic/lumbar spinal columnVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spinal column” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The procedure aims to spinal-column-stabilise the patient. (highly technical/novel)
American English
- Surgeons will spinal-column-fuse the vertebrae. (highly technical/novel)
adjective
British English
- The spinal-column injury was severe.
- He underwent spinal-column surgery.
American English
- The patient had a spinal-column fracture.
- Spinal-column alignment is crucial.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Metaphorical: 'A robust supply chain is the spinal column of our manufacturing operations.'
Academic
Common in medical, biological, and anatomical texts and lectures.
Everyday
Uncommon. 'Back' or 'spine' are preferred. 'He injured his spinal column in the accident.'
Technical
Standard, precise term in medical diagnosis, surgery, chiropractic, physiotherapy, and anatomy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spinal column”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spinal column”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spinal column”
- Using 'spinal column' to mean 'spinal cord'.
- Pronouncing 'column' as /ˈkɒljʊm/ instead of /ˈkɒləm/.
- Using it in overly casual contexts where 'back' would suffice.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in general meaning, but 'spinal column' is the more precise, formal, and clinical term.
The spinal column is the bony structure (the vertebrae). The spinal cord is the bundle of nerve tissue that runs through a canal inside the spinal column.
Use 'spinal column' in formal, medical, scientific, or technical writing and speech where anatomical precision is required. 'Spine' is acceptable in most other contexts.
Typically five: cervical (neck), thoracic (chest), lumbar (lower back), sacral, and coccygeal (tailbone).
The central supporting bony structure of the body, composed of vertebrae, extending from the skull to the pelvis.
Spinal column is usually medical, formal, technical in register.
Spinal column: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspaɪnəl ˈkɒləm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspaɪnəl ˈkɑːləm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “none directly featuring 'spinal column'”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a column of spiny, interlocking bones running down your back. The word itself connects 'spinal' (relating to the spine) with 'column' (a vertical support).
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY/ORGANIZATION IS A BUILDING: The spinal column is the central supporting pillar or column.
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is the most precise medical term for the series of bones that forms the central support of the body?