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View synonyms for

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

/ 貹ɪ /

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

spine

  1. Any of various pointed projections, processes, or appendages of animals.
  2. A sharp-pointed projection on a plant, especially a hard, narrow modified leaf, as on a cactus, that is adapted to reduce water loss.
  3. Compare thornSee more at leaf
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Derived Forms

  • spined, adjective
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Other Word Forms

  • spined adjective
  • 辱Աl adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of spine1

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin īԲ thorn, backbone
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Word History and Origins

Origin of spine1

C14: from Old French espine spine, from Latin īԲ thorn, backbone
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

At hospital, she was found to have suffered a neurological injury and a bleed on her spine, which has left her without most feeling below her waist.

From

The idea of protesters causing JSO levels of disruption - but unlike JSO, avoiding justice - may send a chill down the spine of many motorists.

From

His bones were shaped by large, powerful muscles and there was evidence of injuries to his shoulder and spine, which were associated with hard physical work and combat.

From

Those factors, however, don’t take away from the starch in the senator’s spine or her willingness to stand up while so many others in her party cower in submission.

From

During his time in hospital in Spain he said music helped him deal with the trauma of the accident, as well as the operation to attach rods and screws onto his spine.

From

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