spines

plural of spine
as in backbones
a column of bones supporting the trunk of a vertebrate animal he hurt his spine in the accident, but the doctor says he'll be walking again in no time

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 spines The khaki-to-ochre tint on the Wuthering Heights volumes’ spines is wear. Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 This is sending shivers down the spines of regular Democrats, who now sheepishly admit the party has been turned over to the left-wing loons. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026 That painful toxin is only contained in their specialized spines, though, so as long as those are clipped off, there is no risk to consuming them. Rachel Nuwer, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 June 2026 It’s covered with black stinging spines. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 22 June 2026 If skin contact occurs, those spines can break off in the skin, leading to a burning and stinging sensation, followed by numbness, tingling, swelling, and nausea. Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 20 June 2026 The women received bone mineral density scans, a standard test used to diagnose osteopenia and osteoporosis, to measure calcium levels in their lumbar spines and hips. Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 15 June 2026 Originally there were four different makes, from the same manufacturers as those LMDh spines—LMDh was developed from what was going to be the LMP2 replacement—but the Oreca 07 proved to be so much better than the other three that no one races a Ligier, Dallara, or Riley-Multimatic anymore. Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 12 June 2026 The pup had likely collided with a cholla, and its spines — barbed like fishhooks — were embedded across his face, legs, stomach and paws. Sydney Page, Washington Post, 10 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for 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
Noun
  • After the €60million departure of Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid, Jorrel Hato is Chelsea’s only senior left-sided option in defence, with Reece James and Malo Gusto as right-backs.
    Colin Millar, New York Times, 1 July 2026
  • But unlike fruit flies, these pests have black eyes (not red), distinctive humped backs, and heavier, thicker-veined wings.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 28 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spines. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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