vertebra

Where does the word "vertebra" come from? It comes from Latin vertebra, and was adopted directly into English (1600s).

Vertebra’s story begins in Latin: vertebra meant “a joint, a turning point.” From vertere (to turn), one of the turning joints of the spine. It reached English by 1600s as vertebra. Latin 'joint', from 'vertere', to turn. Today, vertebra means one of the small bones forming the spinal column.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient vertebra "a joint, a turning point", from vertere (to turn), one of the turning joints of the spine.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1600s vertebra "one of the bones forming the spinal column", Latin 'joint', from 'vertere', to turn.