the backbone or spine, especially of an animal.
the whole or a piece of the backbone of an animal with adjoining parts, cut for cooking.
a ridge or crest, as of land.
Nautical.
an angular intersection of the sides and bottom of a vessel.
a longitudinal member running behind this.
the backbone
the backbone of an animal with adjoining meat, cut for cooking
a ridge or crest of land
(in some boats) a corner-like intersection where the bottom meets the side
First recorded before 900; Middle English chine, chinne, chin, Old English cīne, cȳne “crevice, fissure”; cognate with Middle Dutch kēne; compare Old English cīnan “to gape, crack open”
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English chine, schine, Anglo-French achine, from Old French eschine, from Germanic; cf. shin 1
1850–55; < French, past participle of chiner, verbal derivative of Chine China
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Verdon Winkler employs multiple techniques, notably drypoint and chine collé, to produce gauzier, almost painterly images in what might be called a rainbow of grays.
From Washington Post • Jul. 7, 2021
Near the barges on the south shore of Emerald Bay is a hard chine skiff, a fishing boat measuring 15 feet in length.
From Washington Times • Oct. 12, 2018
Drop-waisted apron dresses in ivory and tan crepe de chine were layered over linen blouses, while slouchy trousers and shorts were paired with boxy button-down shirts.
From Seattle Times • Oct. 4, 2011
I buy things mostly in thrift stores, or people come backstage after shows and give me things, like a beautiful black crepe de chine vintage dress.
From New York Times • Dec. 7, 2010
Mrs. Corcoran came down about twenty minutes later, in black crepe de chine, riffling through a quilted-leather clutch.
From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
