chines

noun

plural of chine
as in spines
a column of bones supporting the trunk of a vertebrate animal uncovered the chine of some animal while digging in the backyard

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of chines At low speeds, the wide upper chines deliver stability and good fuel performance. — Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 8 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chines
  1. spines
  2. backbones
  3. backs
Noun
  • Red book spines on bookshelves and a colorful gallery wall contrast the home’s cool coastal palette.
    — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Both sets of accommodations have their own helipad and fleet of helicopters which can access VHSG’s 10,000 square miles of terrain, which includes everything from mellow glacier runs to steep spines.
    — Jen Murphy, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2026
Definition of spines
Noun
  • Look under rocks for macroinvertebrates (animals without backbones, like stoneflies).
    — Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 18 June 2026
  • Data centers also need to be close enough to users and network backbones to provide fast digital services.
    — Sven Bilén, The Conversation, 16 June 2026
Definition of backbones
Noun
  • Garrett Nussmeier On the field, Garrett Nussmeier tries to bait defensive backs with play action and pump fakes.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The running backs are another group that don’t have a clear leader in playing time.
    — Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of backs

Browse Nearby Words

chine
chines
chink
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Cite this Entry

“Chines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chines. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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