# spine

/ˈspaɪn/ (US) · /spˈaɪn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/spine
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. backbone

noun · CEFR B1

the row of bones down the center of your back that supports your body.

For teachers: the series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the pelvis, forming the main support of the body and protecting the spinal cord.

- He injured his spine during the football match and had to see a specialist.
- The surgeon explained that the fracture was located in the lower section of the spine, potentially affecting the patient's mobility.

### 2. book edge

noun · CEFR B2

the narrow part of a book cover that faces out when the book is on a shelf.

For teachers: the part of a book's binding that connects the front and back covers, usually displaying the title and author.

- The title was printed in gold letters on the spine of the old book.
- Years of exposure to direct sunlight had caused the leather on the book's spine to crack and the gilt lettering to fade.

### 3. sharp point

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a sharp, hard point on an animal or plant, like on a cactus or a porcupine.

For teachers: a rigid, pointed outgrowth or needle-like structure on a plant or animal, often serving a defensive function.

- The cactus is covered in sharp spines to protect it from hungry animals.
- The biologist noted that the fish used its dorsal spines as a primary defense mechanism against larger predators in the reef.

### 4. central ridge

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a long, thin part that forms the center or support of something.

For teachers: a central feature or ridge that provides structural integrity or acts as a primary axis for a larger formation.

- The mountain spine stretched across the horizon for miles.
- The volcanic spine, a vertical mass of hardened lava, remained standing long after the softer surrounding rock had eroded away.

## Examples

- Keep your spine straight when you sit at your desk.
- The doctor examined the patient's spine to see if the injury had affected the nerves in his lower back.
- The library's rare collection was so fragile that even opening a volume risked cracking the leather spine and loosening the hand-stitched pages within.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.