A.vertebra, Ar.V.1489(anap.), Pl.Ti.74a; “σύγκειται ἡ ῥάχις ἐκ σφονδύλων” Arist.HA516a11, cf. PA 651b34; esp. one of the cervical vertebrae, Hp.Aph.3.26, cf. Arist. PA686a21, 692a3: pl., backbone, spine, E.Ph.1413 (so in sg., Pherecr.23); or neck, E.El.841 (so in sg., LXX Le.5.8).
b. generally, joint, esp. in the scorpion's tail, Nic.Th.798 (where it is fem.), 781, Hipparch.3.4.2.
d. a kind of mussel or oyster, Sor. 1.51, Gal.6.734; “ς. θαλάσσιοι” Edict.Diocl.5.10; Lat.spondylus, Plin. HN32.60,154.
II. from resemblance to vertebrae,
1. one of the tambours in a column, Callix.1 (σπ-), Milet.7.59, al. (Didyma), IG22.1668.43, 1672.310; not necessarily round, ib.11 (2). 161 A70 (Delos, iii B.C.); ς. μεγάλοι perh. drums of columns used as missiles, Ath.Mech.37.7.
2. circular whorl which balances and twirls a spindle, Pl.R.616c sq., Thphr.HP3.16.4, Plu.2.745f, Sor. 1.110, Poll.7.31, Edict.Diocl.13.5; “σπόνδυλος” Poll.10.125 (v.l. σφ-), Them.Or.32.356c.
b. the shape of that part of the terrestrial sphere which lies between the Equator and the Arctic Circle, Str.2.5.6.
4. roller for closing or opening a trap-door, σπονδύλου προϋποτιθεμένου Aen. Tact.36.2.