spine

noun

ˈspīn 

1

a

: spinal column

b

: something resembling a spinal column or constituting a central axis or chief support

c

: the part of a book to which the pages are attached and on the cover of which usually appear the title and author's and publisher's names

2

: a stiff pointed plant process

especially : one that is a modified leaf or leaf part compare prickle sense 1, thorn sense 1a

3

: a sharp rigid process on an animal: such as

a

: spicule

b

: a stiff unsegmented fin ray of a fish

c

: a pointed prominence on a bone

spined

ˈspīnd 

adjective

spinelike

ˈspīn-ˌlīk 

adjective

Synonyms

• backbone
• chine
• spinal column
• vertebral column

Examples of spine in a Sentence

This X-ray shows her spine.

Hedgehogs are covered with spines.

They lack the spine to do what needs to be done.

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite being acclaimed by Camus and Genet, Simone de Beauvoir and Sartre, Leduc’s books certainly do not stand spine to spine with them in bookshops. —Hazlitt, 2 Oct. 2024

Back on the boat, the urchins’ spines tickled the air like alien antennae. —Jaime Lowe, New York Times, 26 Sep. 2024

In contrast, low-arousal positive emotions, like calmness, are linked to more open but relaxed postures, such as sitting or standing with an upright, balanced spine, arms resting naturally by the sides and a gentle, neutral stance. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024

Meaning your books lay flat, rather than standing upright with their spines out. —Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 20 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, thorn, spinal column, from Latin spina; perhaps akin to Latin spica ear of grain

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing spine

• a chill down your spine
• a chill/shiver runs up/down someone's spine
• make a chill/shiver run up/down someone's spine
• send a chill/shiver up/down someone's spine
• send shivers/chills up (and down) someone's spine
• spine-chilling
• spine-tingling

Kids Definition

spine

noun

ˈspīn 

1

a

: backbone sense 1

b

: something resembling a backbone

c

: the part of a book to which the pages are attached

2

: a stiff pointed usually sharp projecting part of a plant or animal

protective spines cover the body of a porcupine fish

cactus spines are formed from leaves

Etymology

Middle English spine "thorn, spinal column," from Latin spina (same meaning) — related to porcupine

Medical Definition

spine

noun

ˈspīn 

1

: spinal column

2

: a pointed prominence or process (as on a bone)