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spine Definition

spine (spīn)

noun

  1. any of the stiff, sharp-pointed, superficial emergences on a plant, as on a rose, thistle, or cactus
    1. a sharp process of bone
    2. any of the sharp, stiff projections on the bodies of certain animals, as the quill of a porcupine or a ray of a fish's fin
    3. anything resembling either of these projections
  3. the spinal column; backbone
  4. anything regarded as resembling a backbone, as
    1. a ridge of ground, crest of a hill, etc.
    2. the part of a bound book covering the backbone, and usually bearing the title and author's name
  5. ☆ courage, willpower, etc.

Etymology: ME < OFr espine < L spina, thorn, prickle, backbone: see spike

spine Synonyms

spine

n.

  1. A spikelike protrusion

    thorn, prick, spike, barb, thornlet, spinula, quill, ray, thistle, needle; see also point 2.

  2. A column of vertebrae

    spinal column, ridge, backbone, chine, rachis, vertebral process; see also bone, vertebrae.

spine Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • elongate: It appears that the elongated first dorsal fin spines are not always present.
  • lengthen: When releasing lengthen the spine as you lift up.
  • stabilize: Learn which muscles are involved in stabilizing the spine.
  • align: Backlife recreates a therapist's touch, gently rotating the legs, lifting the pelvis and aligning the spine.
  • fade: A near fine hardback copy in a very good dustjacket which has a partly faded spine.
  • curve: Hold this stretch for a few seconds before slowly coming back up through a curved spine.

Adjective modifier

  • lumbar: Back pain usually occurs in the lower back, the lumbar spine.
  • cervical: His doctor diagnosed a soft tissue or mild whiplash injury to his cervical spine.
  • thoracic: It is usually better keeping the thoracic spine on the move.
  • dendritic: As dendrites form the predominant elements in neurons, so dendritic spines form the dominant component of many types of dendritic trees.
  • iliac: When using frames that support the anterior superior iliac spines, the lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh may be compressed and stretched.
  • anterior: The central non-articular area comprises the tibial spines with the anterior cruciate ligament taking origin from the anterior spine.

Modifies a noun

  • tingle: If their spine tingles or their liver shivers, they go home satisfied.
  • corridor: There are only two rooms on the right hand side of the spine corridor, the first being the ' Signals Room ' .
  • x-ray: Repeat cervical spine x-rays as needed for Special Olympic participation.
  • fracture: Reducing current smoking would help prevent hip and spine fractures.

Noun used with modifier

  • lumber: Indeed a Senior Clinical Physiotherapist within the Royal Free Hospital was not able to see an unstable sacroiliac joint and lower lumber spine.
  • urchin: Not all urchin spines are suitable for this work.
  • fin: It appears that the elongated first dorsal fin spines are not always present.
  • pay: In addition staff moving to the new pay spine would get, on average, a further 1.1 % .
spine Quotes

But afterall it's not the winning that matters, is it? Or is it? It'söto coinawordötheamenitiesthatcount: thesmell of the dandelions, the puff of the pipe, the click of the bat, the rain on the neck, the chill down the spine, the slow, exquisite coming on of sunset and dinner and rheumatism.

—Cooke, (Alfred) Alistair

This rortie wretched city Sair come down frae its auld hiechts öThe hauf o't smug, complacent, Lost til all pride of race or spirit, The tither wild and rouch as ever In its secret hairt But lost alsweill, the smeddum tane, The man o'independent mind has cap in hand the day öSits on its craggy spine And drees the wind and rain That nourished all its genius öWeary wi centuries This empty capital snorts like a great beast Caged in its sleep, dreaming of freedom.

—Smith, Sydney Goodsir

   I hold my lady's head like a crystal and ossify myself by gazing: I am screes on her escarpments, a chalk giant carved upon her downs. Soon my hands, on the sunken fosse of her spine move towards the passes.

—Heaney, SeamusJustin