1
a
b
: something resembling a spinal column or constituting a central axis or chief support
c
: the part of a book to which the pages are attached and on the cover of which usually appear the title and author's and publisher's names
2
: a stiff pointed plant process
especially
: one that is a modified leaf or leaf part compare prickle sense 1, thorn sense 1a
3
: a sharp rigid process on an animal: such as
a
: spicule
b
: a stiff unsegmented fin ray of a fish
c
: a pointed prominence on a bone
Examples of spine in a Sentence
This X-ray shows her spine.
Hedgehogs are covered with spines.
They lack the spine to do what needs to be done.
Recent Examples on the Web
For example,side sleepers tested pillows advertised as supportive to keep the neck and spine aligned, hot sleepers tested cooling pillows, and plush-preferring sleepers tried pillows made of materials like latex or down.
—
Megan Wahn, Architectural Digest, 20 Mar. 2025
This therapy has been effective for relieving pain in the hands, knees, hips, ankles, shoulders, and spine.
—Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2025
According to the space agency, visitors to space are at higher risk for loss of bone density and strength in the hip and spine because of the lack of gravity.
—Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025
This incredible feature is the result of a combination of factors, including their strong leg muscles, flexible spine, and keen sense of balance.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spine
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Megan Wahn, Architectural Digest, 20 Mar. 2025
This therapy has been effective for relieving pain in the hands, knees, hips, ankles, shoulders, and spine.
—Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2025
According to the space agency, visitors to space are at higher risk for loss of bone density and strength in the hip and spine because of the lack of gravity.
—Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025
This incredible feature is the result of a combination of factors, including their strong leg muscles, flexible spine, and keen sense of balance.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spine
Cite this Entry
“Spine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spine. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
spine
noun1
a
b
: something resembling a backbone
c
: the part of a book to which the pages are attached
2
: a stiff pointed usually sharp projecting part of a plant or animal
protective spines cover the body of a porcupine fish
cactus spines are formed from leaves
Etymology
Middle English spine "thorn, spinal column," from Latin spina (same meaning) — related to porcupine
Medical Definition
spine
noun1
2
: a pointed prominence or process (as on a bone)
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