n, pl  -brae  or  -bras  :  any of the bony or cartilaginous segments that make up the spinal column and that have a short more or less cylindrical body whose ends articulate by pads of elastic or cartilaginous tissue with those of adjacent vertebrae and a bony arch that encloses the spinal cord .
 
 
 
Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.  © 1997-2004.