spine

[spahyn]

noun

1. the spinal or vertebral column; backbone.

2. any backbonelike part.

3. a stiff, pointed process or appendage on an animal, as a quill of a porcupine, or a sharp, bony ray in the fin of a fish.

4. something, as a quality or trait, that constitutes a principal strength; resolution; stamina; backbone.

   a situation that would test a person's spine.

5. a ridge, as of ground or rock.

6. a sharp-pointed, hard or woody outgrowth on a plant; thorn.

7. Bookbinding.,  the back of a book cover or binding, usually indicating the title and author.

spine

/ spaɪn /

noun

1. the spinal column

2. the sharply pointed tip or outgrowth of a leaf, stem, etc

3. zoology a hard pointed process or structure, such as the ray of a fin, the quill of a porcupine, or the ridge on a bone

4. the back of a book, record sleeve, etc

5. a ridge, esp of a hill

6. strength of endurance, will, etc

7. anything resembling the spinal column in function or importance; main support or feature

spine

1. See vertebral column

2. Any of various pointed projections, processes, or appendages of animals.

3. A sharp-pointed projection on a plant, especially a hard, narrow modified leaf, as on a cactus, that is adapted to reduce water loss.

4. Compare thorn See more at leaf

Other Word Forms

• spined adjective
• spinelike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of spine¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin spīna thorn, backbone

Word History and Origins

Origin of spine¹

C14: from Old French espine spine, from Latin spīna thorn, backbone

Example Sentences

He also said in January 2024 that he had undergone a staggering “seven surgeries in five years,” including a procedure on his spine in September 2023.

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But the Ravens showed a steel spine in last week’s comeback.

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One of the rounds severed Carrillo’s spine, leaving him permanently paralyzed.

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“It sends a chill up your spine, and everybody is worried,” said Democratic consultant Steve Maviglio, who said he did not receive a letter.

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The cold shocks my body, gripping my spine and muffling my senses as if punishing me for daring to challenge it.

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Related Words

• bone 
• vertebrae www.thesaurus.com