Added 9 October 2026
spine
/spaɪn/ noun
In Latin: spīna Wiktionary
noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about spine at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
-
The series of vertebrae forming the axis of the skeleton and protecting the spinal cord.
the fall broke his back
- Any sharply pointed projection.
- A small sharp-pointed tip resembling a spike on a stem or leaf.
Origin
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.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)