Spine (Noun)
Meaning 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.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The porcupine's spine was sharp enough to defend itself from predators.
- A ridge of spine ran along the middle of the fish's dorsal fin.
- The shark's spine was supported by a series of strong cartilaginous plates.
- The stingray's spine had venom that could cause serious injury.
- The surgeonfish's caudal spine was bright yellow and very distinctive.
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Meaning 2
Any sharply pointed projection.
Classification
Nouns denoting two and three dimensional shapes.
Examples
- The thorn bush had long, sharp spines that could easily snag your clothes.
- The cactus had spines that were so sharp they could pierce through leather.
- The agave plant had strong, rigid spines that grew along the edges of its leaves.
- The sea urchin's spines made it a formidable opponent for any predator.
- The hedgehog curled up into a ball, its spines bristling in every direction.
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Meaning 3
The series of vertebrae forming the axis of the skeleton and protecting the spinal cord; "the fall broke his back".
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The doctor ordered an X-ray to check for any damage to her spine after the accident.
- Regular exercise can help strengthen the muscles that support the spine and prevent back pain.
- He injured his spine in a skiing accident and was confined to a wheelchair for several months.
- The gymnast's flexible spine allowed her to perform a series of intricate flips and twists.
- Osteoporosis can weaken the spine and increase the risk of fractures, particularly in older adults.
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Meaning 4
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".
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The title and author were printed on the spine of the book in bold, golden letters.
- She ran her fingers over the worn spine of the old novel, feeling the raised bumps of the embossed cover.
- The librarian carefully checked the spine of each book to ensure they were properly aligned on the shelf.
- The designer spent hours perfecting the design on the spine of the new bestseller, making sure it would stand out on store shelves.
- As she browsed through the used bookstore, she noticed that the spine of her favorite childhood book was cracked and faded.
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Meaning 5
A small sharp-pointed tip resembling a spike on a stem or leaf.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The cactus plant had sharp spines that deterred animals from approaching it.
- She carefully plucked the spine from the succulent before handing it to the child.
- Gardeners wore gloves to protect themselves from the spines on the rose bushes.
- The spine of the agave plant grew longer and sharper as the plant matured.
- The aloe vera leaf had a small spine at its tip that was easily overlooked.