spine
n.-
1 backbone (n.) B1 Intermediate Medicinethe row of bones down the center of your back that supports your body.
the series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the pelvis, forming the main support of the body and protecting the spinal cord.
ExampleHe injured his spine during the football match and had to see a specialist.
ExampleThe surgeon explained that the fracture was located in the lower section of the spine, potentially affecting the patient's mobility.
- backbone
- vertebral column
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2 book edge (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatethe narrow part of a book cover that faces out when the book is on a shelf.
the part of a book's binding that connects the front and back covers, usually displaying the title and author.
ExampleThe title was printed in gold letters on the spine of the old book.
ExampleYears of exposure to direct sunlight had caused the leather on the book's spine to crack and the gilt lettering to fade.
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3 sharp point (n.) C1 Advanced Technical Sciencea sharp, hard point on an animal or plant, like on a cactus or a porcupine.
a rigid, pointed outgrowth or needle-like structure on a plant or animal, often serving a defensive function.
ExampleThe cactus is covered in sharp spines to protect it from hungry animals.
ExampleThe biologist noted that the fish used its dorsal spines as a primary defense mechanism against larger predators in the reef.
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4 central ridge (n.) C2 Proficiency Technical Sciencea long, thin part that forms the center or support of something.
a central feature or ridge that provides structural integrity or acts as a primary axis for a larger formation.
ExampleThe mountain spine stretched across the horizon for miles.
ExampleThe volcanic spine, a vertical mass of hardened lava, remained standing long after the softer surrounding rock had eroded away.
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.