胸椎 Traditional form: 胸椎 Pinyin (reading): xiōngzhuī Definitions: thoracic vertebra the twelve thoracic vertebras behind the ribcage of humans and most mammals Characters: 胸 - breast, bosom; heart, mind 椎 - spine, vertebra; hammer, mallet Traditional characters: 胸 - breast, bosom; heart, mind 椎 - spine, vertebra; hammer, mallet