Spine: meaning, definitions and examples

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spine

[ spaɪn ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

human anatomy

The series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the small of the back, enclosing the spinal cord and providing support for the thorax and abdomen.

Synonyms

back, backbone, vertebral column.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
spine	Often used in medical or anatomical contexts to refer to the entire bony structure running down the back. He had an X-ray to check for any injuries to his spine Yoga can really help to maintain a healthy spine
backbone	Used both literally to refer to the main bone structure in the back, and metaphorically to describe resilience or strength of character. The software has a robust backbone system He showed a lot of backbone by standing up to the bully
vertebral column	Technical term mostly used in medical or academic texts to describe the entire column of vertebrae. The vertebral column is composed of 33 vertebrae Research on the vertebral column has led to new treatments for back pain
back	Commonly used in everyday language to refer to the rear part of the human body from the neck to the waist. My back is hurting after lifting those heavy boxes She has a tattoo on her back

Examples of usage

The spine is made up of 33 individual bones called vertebrae.
A healthy spine is crucial for overall body function.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

biology

The rigid structure in the midline of the back of an animal, including the vertebral column and any structures derived from it.

Synonyms

backbone, chord.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
spine	Repeated
backbone	Can describe the main support structure of a human or animal, or metaphorically refer to the central or most important part of something, or someone’s strength and determination. The IT team is responsible for maintaining the backbone of the company’s network. She’s the backbone of this project; without her, nothing would get done. During the crisis, his backbone was already being tested.
chord	More commonly used in music to describe a group of notes played together. In anatomical context, it refers to the notochord, an embryonic structure that is a precursor to the vertebral column. He played a beautiful chord that resonated with the audience. The notochord is a flexible rod found in the embryos of all chordates.

Word

Description / Examples

spine

Repeated

backbone

Can describe the main support structure of a human or animal, or metaphorically refer to the central or most important part of something, or someone’s strength and determination.

The IT team is responsible for maintaining the backbone of the company’s network.
She’s the backbone of this project; without her, nothing would get done.
During the crisis, his backbone was already being tested.

chord

More commonly used in music to describe a group of notes played together. In anatomical context, it refers to the notochord, an embryonic structure that is a precursor to the vertebral column.

He played a beautiful chord that resonated with the audience.
The notochord is a flexible rod found in the embryos of all chordates.

Examples of usage

The spine of a fish allows for flexibility in swimming.
The spine of a bird is adapted for flight.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

book binding

The back of a book, where the pages are held together.

Synonyms

back, book backbone.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
spine	Used in a figurative sense to describe courage or determination. She finally showed some spine and stood up to her boss He needs to grow a spine and defend himself
back	The rear part of the human body or an object, typically from the neck to the end of the spine, or something situated at the rear. She has a tattoo on her back They parked at the back of the building
book backbone	Specifically refers to the spine of a book where the title and author's name are usually found. The book's backbone was decorated with gold lettering After so much use, the book's backbone was almost falling apart

Word

Description / Examples

spine

Used in a figurative sense to describe courage or determination.

She finally showed some spine and stood up to her boss
He needs to grow a spine and defend himself

back

The rear part of the human body or an object, typically from the neck to the end of the spine, or something situated at the rear.

She has a tattoo on her back
They parked at the back of the building

book backbone

Specifically refers to the spine of a book where the title and author's name are usually found.

The book's backbone was decorated with gold lettering
After so much use, the book's backbone was almost falling apart

Examples of usage

The title of the book was embossed on the spine.
She ran her fingers along the spine of the novel.

Translations

Translations of the word "spine" in other languages:

🇵🇹 coluna vertebral

🇮🇳 रीढ़ की हड्डी

🇩🇪 Wirbelsäule

🇮🇩 tulang belakang

🇺🇦 хребет

🇵🇱 kręgosłup

🇯🇵 脊椎

🇫🇷 colonne vertébrale

🇪🇸 columna vertebral

🇹🇷 omurga

🇰🇷 척추

🇸🇦 العمود الفقري

🇨🇿 páteř

🇸🇰 chrbtica

🇨🇳 脊柱

🇸🇮 hrbtenica

🇮🇸 hryggur

🇰🇿 омыртқа

🇬🇪 ხერხემალი

🇦🇿 omurga

🇲🇽 columna vertebral

Etymology

The word 'spine' originated from Middle English 'spine', from Old French 'espine', from Latin 'spina' meaning 'thorn, prickle, backbone'. The anatomical sense of 'spine' referring to the backbone was first recorded in the 14th century. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass various meanings beyond just the human or animal backbone.

See also: spin, spindle, spinner, spinning.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,748 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
5745 contraction
5746 acquiring
5747 aids
5748 spine
5749 clearance
5750 bloody
5751 smart
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