How to pronounce vertebra
Say it like VUR-tuh-bruh. Vertebra has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce vertebra. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- VUR
- tuh
- bruh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Vertebra pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- VURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- bruhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of vertebra
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: VUR-tih-bruh.
What does vertebra mean?
- Any of the bony or cartilaginous segments which make up the backbone, consisting in some lower vertebrates of several distinct elements which never become united, and in higher vertebrates having a short more or less cylindrical body whose ends articulate by pads of elastic or cartilaginous tissue w
Where does vertebra come from?
Borrowing from Latin vertebra (“a joint”), from vertō (“to turn”) + -bra (instrumental nominal suffix).
Questions about saying vertebra
How do you pronounce vertebra?
Say VUR-tuh-bruh. The American pronunciation is /ˈvɝtəbrə/. In British English it is /ˈvɜːtɪbrə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in vertebra?
Vertebra has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VUR). Broken into parts: VUR · tuh · bruh.
Is vertebra pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈvɜːtɪbrə/ (VUR-tih-bruh).