spine

Pronunciation: /spaɪn/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the series of vertebrae forming the axis of the skeleton and protecting the spinal cord
  2. noun any sharply pointed projection
  3. noun a small sharp-pointed tip resembling a spike on a stem or leaf

Etymology

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.

In classic literature

Synonyms

spinal column, vertebral column, backbone, back, rachis

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
skeletal structure
Narrower (hyponyms)
notochord, chine

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