sacrum
[ sak-ruh m, sey-kruh m ]
/ ˈsæk rəm, ˈseɪ krəm /
noun, plural sac·ra [sak-ruh, sey-kruh] /ˈsæk rə, ˈseɪ krə/. Anatomy.
a bone resulting from the fusion of two or more vertebrae between the lumbar and the coccygeal regions, in humans being composed usually of five fused vertebrae and forming the posterior wall of the pelvis.
Origin of sacrum
1745–55; < Late Latin (
os)
sacrum holy (bone), translation of Greek
hieròn ostéon
Words nearby sacrum
Example sentences from the Web for sacrum
British Dictionary definitions for sacrum
sacrum
/ (ˈseɪkrəm, ˈsækrəm) /
noun plural -cra (-krə)
(in man) the large wedge-shaped bone, consisting of five fused vertebrae, in the lower part of the back
the corresponding part in some other vertebrates
Word Origin for sacrum
C18: from Latin
os sacrum holy bone, because it was used in sacrifices, from
sacer holy
Medical definitions for sacrum
sacrum
[ sā′krəm, săk′rəm ]
n. pl. sa•cra (sā′krə, săk′rə)
The triangular segment of the spinal column that forms part of the pelvis and closes in the pelvic girdle posteriorly, is formed between the ages of 16 and 25 by the fusion of five originally separate sacral vertebrae, and articulates with the last lumbar vertebra, the coccyx, and the hipbone on either side.
Scientific definitions for sacrum
sacrum
[ sā′krəm, săk′rəm ]
Plural sacra
A triangular bone at the base of the spine, above the coccyx (tailbone), that forms the rear section of the pelvis. In humans it is made up of five vertebrae that fuse together by adulthood. See more at skeleton.