Definition

1. Noun:
   • The final segment of the vertebral column in humans and other tailless primates: The "tail bone" is a small, triangular bone at the base of the spine, formed by the fusion of several vertebrae. It is the vestigial remnant of a tail.

Usage

• The "tail bone" is used as a singular, countable noun.
• It typically refers to the anatomical structure in medical, biological, or general contexts.
• It is often discussed in relation to injury, pain, or human evolution.

Examples

• Noun:
  • She fell hard and bruised her tail bone.
  • The human tail bone, or coccyx, is a vestige of our evolutionary past.
  • Sitting on that hard bench for hours made my tail bone ache.

Advanced Usage

• Medical/Anatomical Context: In formal medical terminology, the "tail bone" is called the coccyx.
  • The doctor explained that the pain was originating from her coccyx, or tail bone.

Variants and Related Words

• Coccyx (n): The formal anatomical term for the tail bone.
  • The coccyx consists of three to five fused vertebrae.
• Coccygeal (adj): Relating to the tail bone/coccyx.
  • He was experiencing coccygeal pain.

Synonyms

• Coccyx: The direct technical synonym.
• End of the spine: A descriptive, non-technical synonym.

Related Phrases/Idioms

Noun

1. the end of the vertebral column in humans and tailless apes