chine

1 of 2

noun

ˈchīn 

1

: backbone, spine

also : a cut of meat including all or part of the backbone

2

: the intersection of the bottom and the sides of a flat or V-bottomed boat

chine

2 of 2

verb

chined; chining

transitive verb

: to cut through the backbone of (as in butchering)

Synonyms

Noun

• backbone
• spinal column
• spine
• vertebral column

Examples of chine in a Sentence

Noun

uncovered the chine of some animal while digging in the backyard

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

When the yacht is traveling between 15 knots and 22 knots, the hull can reportedly cut CO2 emissions by up to 20 percent compared to traditional hard-chine hulls while also reducing fuel consumption. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 14 July 2022

Dinner will include traditional favorites as chine of roast pork, pottage of cabbage, leeks and onions, and Indian pudding. —courant.com, 31 Oct. 2019

Have your butcher crack the roast's chine (backbone) and, for an elegant presentation, french the ribs (trim meat from ends of bone). —Woman's Day, 17 Nov. 2011

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French eschine, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German scina shinbone, needle — more at shin

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing chine

• blanc de chine
• crepe de chine
• crêpe de chine

Kids Definition

chine

noun

ˈchīn

: backbone sense 1, spine

also : a cut of meat including the backbone or part of it and the surrounding flesh