vertebrae
See also: vertebræ
English
editAlternative forms
editPronunciation
edit- (General American) IPA(key): /ˈvɝ.təˌbɹeɪ/, /ˈvɝ.təˌbɹi/, /ˈvɝ.təˌbɹaɪ/
Noun
editvertebrae
- plural of vertebra; the bones that make up the spinal column.
Usage notes
editUsually in English, the Latin diphthong ae is Anglicized as /i/, a long e sound. The original Latin diphthong was pronounced /aɪ/, as a long i. The pronunciation of vertebrae ending in /eɪ/ with a long a is undoubtedly more common, but generally frowned upon by orthoepists as it is not supported by etymology (like the long i) or analogy (like the long e), only usage. Since all three are supported by their own argument, they are all acceptable.
Anagrams
editLatin
editPronunciation
edit- (Classical Latin) IPA(key): /ˈu̯er.te.brae̯/, [ˈu̯ɛrt̪ɛbräe̯]
- (modern Italianate Ecclesiastical) IPA(key): /ˈver.te.bre/, [ˈvɛrt̪ebre]
Noun
editvertebrae f