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

Here's How to Save Up to $300 Off Tickets TV Sebastian Maniscalco Sets Hulu Comedy Special (Exclusive) The narrative spine of the 99-minute feature is Springsteen and the E Street Band’s world tour, which launched in Tampa in 2023 and is set to continue through 2025. —Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Oct. 2024

Congenital anomalies can range from mild to severe cases, and some of the most common types can affect an infant’s heart or spine. —Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 21 Oct. 2024

These layers kept our tester’s spine aligned while back and side sleeping. —Ashley Zlatopolsky, Architectural Digest, 17 Oct. 2024

The Lucy fossil preserved skull fragments and a lower jaw with teeth, as well as parts of the arm, leg, pelvis, spine and ribs—47 bones in all representing a whopping 40 percent of the skeleton of a single individual. —Donald C. Johanson, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 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)