chine

1 of 2

noun

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)

Examples of chine in a Sentence

Noun uncovered the chine of some animal while digging in the backyard
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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

Time Traveler
The first known use of chine was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near chine

Cite this Entry

“Chine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chine. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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
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