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

Many Texas towns on the enviable spine of totality have parlayed their good fortune as willing hosts to this heavenly soiree. —David Montesino, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2024

For example, contoured pillows realign your legs and improve posture to take pressure off the lower back and spine. —Danielle Zoellner, Verywell Health, 8 Apr. 2024

Yet another soldier spoke up: there was a problem with his spine. —Luke Mogelson, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024

Burkhart had become quadriplegic in a swimming accident after a wave ran him into a sandbar and injured his spine. —S. I. Rosenbaum, The Atlantic, 7 Apr. 2024

The man was hospitalized for almost a week with fractures to his spine and face and hemorrhaging in his nose, prosecutors said. —Paloma Chavez, Sacramento Bee, 27 Mar. 2024

Regardless of the type of roller, always avoid rolling directly over joints, bony areas (such as the neck or spine) or thin skin. —Dana Santas, CNN, 25 Mar. 2024

The team’s analysis revealed participants who consumed at least 3.53 ounces of whole eggs daily—about two large eggs—had significantly elevated BMD levels in their femurs and spines. —Sarah Garone, Health, 23 Mar. 2024

Your core muscles control the movement in your spine, pelvis and rib cage. —Melanie Radzicki McManus, CNN, 28 Mar. 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/shiver runs up/down someone's spine
• a chill down your spine
• make a chill/shiver run up/down someone's spine
• send shivers/chills up (and down) someone's spine
• spine-chilling
• send a chill/shiver up/down someone's spine
• 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)