| 1. | the spinal or vertebral column; backbone. |
| 2. | any backbonelike part. |
| 3. | a stiff, pointed process or appendage on an animal, as a quill of a porcupine, or a sharp, bony ray in the fin of a fish. |
| 4. | something, as a quality or trait, that constitutes a principal strength; resolution; stamina; backbone: a situation that would test a person's spine. |
| 5. | a ridge, as of ground or rock. |
| 6. | a sharp-pointed, hard or woody outgrowth on a plant; thorn. |
| 7. | Bookbinding. the back of a book cover or binding, usually indicating the title and author. |

spine (spīn)
n.
See spinal column.
Any of various short pointed projections, processes, or appendages of bone.