spine

spine
spined, adj.spinelike, adj.
/spuyn/, n.
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.
[1400-50; late ME < L spina thorn, backbone]

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Universalium. 2010.

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  • Spine — or Spinal may refer to:Medicine*Vertebral column, commonly known as the backbone **Spinal anaesthesia, a type of regional anaesthetic **Lumbar puncture, a colloquial term for which is a spinal tap ** Spine (journal), a bi weekly peer reviewed… …   Wikipedia

  • spine — spine, backbone, back, vertebrae, chine designate the articulated column of bones which is the central and axial feature of the skeleton of human beings and other vertebrate animals. Spine, backbone, back, and vertebrae can be used without… …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • Spine — Spine, n. [L. spina thorn, the spine; akin to spica a point: cf. OF. espine, F. [ e]pine. Cf. {Spike}, {Spinet} a musical instrument, {Spinny}.] 1. (Bot.) A sharp appendage to any of a plant; a thorn. [1913 Webster] 2. (Zo[ o]l.) (a) A rigid and… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • spine — [ spaın ] noun ** 1. ) count the row of bones down the middle of your back: BACKBONE, SPINAL COLUMN 2. ) count the edge of a book where all the pages are attached 3. ) count a sharp point on a plant or animal 4. ) uncount INFORMAL courage:… …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • spine — sharp hard bony structures on the skeleton or skin, e.g. preopercular spines. Both serve as predator deterrents a usually stiff, sharp, dermal rod which supports and or arms the fin; spinous ray. Lacks segments and is not laterally paired as are… …   Dictionary of ichthyology

  • spine — [spaın] n ↑backbone, ↑breastbone, ↑collarbone, ↑kneecap, ↑pelvis, ↑skull, ↑spine, ↑rib [Date: 1300 1400; : Latin; Origin: spina] 1.) the row of bones down the centre of your b …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • spine — c.1400, backbone, later thornlike part (early 15c.), 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 (Cf …   Etymology dictionary

  • spine — [n] backbone back, bone, chine, rachis, ridge, spinal column, vertebrae, vertebral column; concepts 393,420 …   New thesaurus

  • spine — ► NOUN 1) a series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the small of the back, enclosing the spinal cord and providing support for the thorax and abdomen; the backbone. 2) a central feature or main source of strength. 3) the part of a book… …   English terms dictionary

  • spine — [spīn] n. [ME < OFr espine < L spina, thorn, prickle, backbone: see SPIKE1] 1. any of the stiff, sharp pointed, superficial emergences on a plant, as on a rose, thistle, or cactus 2. a) a sharp process of bone b) any of the sharp, stiff… …   English World dictionary

  • spine — ( ) [Baba, 2005]. Carapace, spines, based on Munida. [Baba, 2005] ( ) [Baba, 2005]. Anterior part of carapace, including ocular peduncles, based on Munidopsis. [Baba, 2005] A cuticular outgrowth without a recognizable basal articulation [Ingle,… …   Crustacea glossary

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