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spine

 - 6 dictionary results
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spine

  [spahyn]
Use spine in a Sentence
–noun
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.
Origin:
1400–50; late ME < L spīna thorn, backbone

Related forms:
spined, adjective
spinelike, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To spine
LSI-Laser Spine Institute
Gentle Arthroscopic Solutions For Back & Neck Pain
www.LaserSpineInstitute.com
Spinal Fixation System
Efficient and Optimal Placement. Screwless Fixation. Learn More.
www.Lanx.com/
spine   (spīn)   
n.  

  1. The spinal column of a vertebrate.

  2. Zoology Any of various pointed projections, processes, or appendages of animals.

  3. Botany A strong, sharp-pointed, usually woody outgrowth from a stem or leaf; a thorn.

  4. Something that resembles or suggests a backbone, as:

    1. The hinged back of a book.

    2. The crest of a ridge.

  5. Strength of character; courage or willpower.


[Middle English, from Old French espine, from Latin spīna.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

spine 
c.1400, "backbone," later "thornlike part" (1430), from O.Fr. espine (Fr. épine), from L. spina "backbone," originally "thorn, prickle," from PIE *spei- "sharp point" (cf. L. spica "ear of corn," O.N. spikr "nail;" see spike (n.1)). Meaning "the back of a book" is first attested 1922. Spineless in fig. sense of "irresolute" is from 1885. Spine-chiller "mystery film" is attested from 1940; spine tingler in same sense is from 1942.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: spine
Pronunciation: 'spIn
Function: noun
1 : SPINAL COLUMN
2 : a pointed prominence or process (as on a bone)
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

spine (spīn)
n.

  1. See spinal column.

  2. Any of various short pointed projections, processes, or appendages of bone.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Science Dictionary
spine   (spīn)  Pronunciation Key 

  1. See vertebral column.

  2. Any of various pointed projections, processes, or appendages of animals.

  3. A sharp-pointed projection on a plant, especially a hard, narrow modified leaf, as on a cactus, that is adapted to reduce water loss. Compare thorn. See more at leaf.


spinal adjective
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
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