Definition

1. Noun:
   • A series of vertebrae forming the central support structure of the skeleton: The "spine" is the backbone or vertebral column, which protects the spinal cord and provides structural support for the body.
   • A sharp, rigid, pointed projection on an animal or plant: This refers to a natural, needle-like structure, such as a quill on a porcupine or a thorn on a plant.
   • The part of a book's cover that connects the front and back covers: The "spine" is the narrow, vertical edge of a book that faces outward on a shelf and typically bears the title and author's name.

Examples of Usage

• Referring to the backbone:
  • He injured his spine in the accident.
  • The spine provides crucial support for the human body.
• Referring to a sharp projection:
  • The cactus is covered in sharp spines.
  • The porcupine raises its spines when threatened.
• Referring to a book part:
  • The book's spine was cracked from years of use.
  • Look for the author's name on the spine of the book.

Advanced Usage

• "To send a shiver down someone's spine": To cause a sudden feeling of fear, excitement, or thrill.
  • The eerie sound sent a shiver down my spine.
• "The spine of something" (figurative): The central or most important support or feature of something.
  • These principles form the spine of our legal system.

Variants and Related Words

• Spinal (adj): Relating to the spine or backbone.
  • He suffered a spinal injury.
• Spinous (adj): Having spines; spiny.
  • A spinous plant.
• Spiky (adj): Having many spikes or sharp points (similar in concept to spiny).
  • Spiky hair.

Synonyms

• Backbone: The spine, especially as a symbol of strength or resolve.
• Vertebral column: The technical term for the spine.
• Thorn: A sharp, woody projection on a plant (a specific type of spine).
• Quill: A sharp, hollow spine on an animal like a porcupine.

Related Phrases

• Spine-tingling: Causing a thrilling or frightening sensation, often like a shiver down the spine.
  • It was a spine-tingling horror story.
• To have a spine (idiomatic): To have courage or fortitude.
  • You need to have a spine and stand up for yourself.

Related Idioms

• Chill to the spine: To frighten or horrify someone deeply.
  • The witness's testimony was a chill to the spine.
• Stiffen one's spine: To become more determined or courageous.
  • The challenge made him stiffen his spine and fight harder.

Noun

1. a sharp rigid animal process or appendage; as a porcupine quill or a ridge on a bone or a ray of a fish fin
2. the part of a book's cover that encloses the inner side of the book's pages and that faces outward when the book is shelved
   • the title and author were printed on the spine of the book
3. a small sharp-pointed tip resembling a spike on a stem or leaf
4. any sharply pointed projection
5. the series of vertebrae forming the axis of the skeleton and protecting the spinal cord
   • the fall broke his back