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
Brown, who has a minor curve to his spine, has since learned to adapt to the physical limitations that come with KFS.
—
Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 21 May 2024
The film follows the Ghost and G.I. Jane star as an aging actress who undergoes the film's titular medical treatment that uses cell replication to create a younger version of herself that, per Variety's reaction to the film, leads to a scene where Qualley squeezes out of Moore's spine.
—Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 20 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for spine 
Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 21 May 2024
The film follows the Ghost and G.I. Jane star as an aging actress who undergoes the film's titular medical treatment that uses cell replication to create a younger version of herself that, per Variety's reaction to the film, leads to a scene where Qualley squeezes out of Moore's spine.
—Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 20 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for spine
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Spine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spine. Accessed 31 May. 2024.
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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