Medical Root
spondyl/o
spondyl/o means vertebra or spinal column (from the Greek spondylos, meaning vertebra).
What does spondyl/o mean?
The root spondyl/o means a vertebra or the spinal column. It comes from the Greek word spondylos. It appears in words about the bones of the spine and their conditions. For example, spondylitis is inflammation of the vertebrae. It often appears alongside oste/o (bone) and the suffix -itis in musculoskeletal terms. Note the related root vertebr/o, from Latin, which also means vertebra.
Example words using spondyl/o
Related word parts
Frequently asked questions
What does spondyl/o mean?
The root spondyl/o means a vertebra or the spinal column, and comes from Greek.
What is spondylitis?
It is inflammation of the vertebrae, combining spondyl/o with -itis.
What is the difference between spondyl/o and vertebr/o?
Both mean vertebra. Spondyl/o is from Greek and appears in condition names, while vertebr/o is from Latin and appears in anatomical terms.
Study reference only — not medical advice. Always consult qualified sources for clinical decisions.