noun

die Wirbelsäule, -n

spine

Der lange Teil aus vielen Knochen im Rücken, der den Körper stützt und den Oberkörper aufrecht hält.

Definition & meaning

Wirbelsäule means spine or vertebral column: the connected column of bones running down the back, supporting the body and protecting the spinal cord.

It can also be used figuratively to mean the backbone or central supporting structure of something, such as an organization or system.

Grammar & Word origin

Wirbelsäule is a feminine noun: die Wirbelsäule. Its plural is die Wirbelsäulen.

It is a compound of Wirbel (“vertebra” or “whirl”) and Säule (“column” or “pillar”). Together, the parts describe a column formed by vertebrae.

Synonyms & antonyms

Rückgrat (“backbone”) is a close synonym, especially in everyday or figurative use. Wirbelsäule is the more standard anatomical term; Rückgrat can also mean courage or firmness.
There is no common direct antonym for Wirbelsäule.