spine

American  

[spahyn] / spaɪn /

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.

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spine British  

/ 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

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spine Scientific  

/ spīn /

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

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Other Word Forms

• spined adjective
• spinelike adjective

Etymology

Origin of spine

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

Example Sentences

Initially, researchers only saw a few bones, including parts of the legs and spine.

From Science Daily

You turn your back to the road, ignoring the sweat collecting along your spine.

From Literature

A wave of shivers runs down my spine, making me giggle.

From Literature

Then, of course, they all screamed—a horrific sound that sent chills down Clare’s furry spine.

From Literature

The current crisis in Iran has sent memories bubbling to the surface for the collective, and chills down the spines of viewers.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bone
• vertebrae