spine

noun

1
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
b
: a stiff unsegmented fin ray of a fish
c
: a pointed prominence on a bone
spined adjective
spinelike adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Inside the operating room To correct his spine, John needed rods placed on either side of his spinal column along 13 vertebrae. Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 23 July 2025 Ascher made that vow in 2003 following a last-minute visit with a psychic that sent more than a few goosebumps down his spine. Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2025 But the spine, the heart of the book is definitely in the series. Anaja I. Smith, HollywoodReporter, 21 July 2025 Through gene expression studies, the team determined these proteins were actively produced and regulated – social control molecules secreted through their natural antennae, the spines. New Atlas, 20 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for spine

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of spine was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spine. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

spine

noun
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
1
2
: a pointed prominence or process (as on a bone)

More from Merriam-Webster on spine

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