spine
- 01 B1 Intermediate
the 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.
Simple“He injured his spine during the football match and had to see a specialist.”
In context“The surgeon explained that the fracture was located in the lower section of the spine, potentially affecting the patient's mobility.”
Synonymsbackbonevertebral column - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
the 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.
Simple“The title was printed in gold letters on the spine of the old book.”
In context“Years of exposure to direct sunlight had caused the leather on the book's spine to crack and the gilt lettering to fade.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
a 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.
Simple“The cactus is covered in sharp spines to protect it from hungry animals.”
In context“The biologist noted that the fish used its dorsal spines as a primary defense mechanism against larger predators in the reef.”
- 04 C2 Proficiency
a 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.
Simple“The mountain spine stretched across the horizon for miles.”
In context“The volcanic spine, a vertical mass of hardened lava, remained standing long after the softer surrounding rock had eroded away.”
“But certainly, I think if you look at all the top teams over the years, all the great teams over the years, the spine of the team is really strong, you know.”
“Helens is just one in a chain of active volcanoes that run up the spine of the Cascade Mountains, the disaster prompted more research into the threat of lahars in the region.”
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.