spine

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   The line of bones down the centre of the back; the backbone.

   She injured her spine in the fall and had to wear a brace.

2. 2
   noun

   The narrow, bound edge of a book that faces outward on a shelf and usually shows the title.

   The title and author were printed on the spine of the book.

3. 3
   noun

   A sharp, stiff point on an animal or plant.

   A hedgehog is covered in sharp spines for protection.

From late Middle English spyne, from Old French espine (French épine) or its source, Latin spīna (“a thorn; a prickle, spine; the backbone”). Doublet of spina.

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