vertebral foramen

noun

anatomy
: the opening in a vertebra that is formed by a neural arch and back portion of a vertebral body and through which the spinal cord passes

Note: Successive vertebral foramina make up the spinal canal.

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vertebral foramen was in 1828

Dictionary Entries Near vertebral foramen

Cite this Entry

“Vertebral foramen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vertebral%20foramen. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

vertebral foramen

noun
plural vertebral foramina also vertebral foramens
: the opening in a vertebra that is formed by a neural arch and back portion of a vertebral body and through which the spinal cord passes

Note: Successive vertebral foramina make up the spinal canal.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!