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spine

spine

218 1.1
The long set of bones down the middle of the back that protect the spinal cord
  • noun
  • /spaɪn/
translation icon : columna vertebral
  • A limber mind leads to a limber spine, which leads to a long life.
  • lumbar spine
  • cervical spine
  • spine injury

She has rods in her spine, club foot, hip dysplasia.

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Examples

  • Yeah, that bullet then went right into the spine, there.

  • A cold shiver runs down your spine.

  • It's a current that runs up the center of your spine.

  • Students will find that focusing their attention on the spine gets easier with practice.

    Academic text (1996)
  • The first tremors were already working up her spine when she felt him shift his weight over her.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • Sometimes you want your heart to be warmed; sometimes you want your spine to tingle.

    Academic text (2015)
  • The buildup of fluid in my spine is a degenerative condition.

  • The doctor explained that a healthy spine is crucial for overall mobility and support.

  • After the accident, he experienced severe pain in his spine due to several fractured vertebrae.

  • Maintaining good posture is important for protecting the spine during long hours of sitting.

Synonyms

spinal column
vsspine
  • Specialized
10 3.2

A row of bones from the head to the lower back that protect the cord of nerves inside

focuses on the skull to lower back range rather than general support
backbone
vsspine
9 3.0

The row of bones that runs down the middle of the back and supports the body

is the formal anatomical term for central skeletal support rather than common speech
vertebral column
vsspine
  • Specialized
1 4.3

A row of bones running down the middle of the back that protects the spinal cord

is a general central support term not focused on exact endpoints
rachis
vsspine
  • Specialized
9.9

A series of bones that form the backbone and protect the spinal cord

is a common general term for central support rather than technical naming

Idioms

Make someone feel a sudden strong fear or excitement

Cause someone to feel a sudden strong fear or excitement

A sudden feeling of fear or excitement that moves along your back

Compounds

Causes a strong feeling of fear or excitement

T-spine structure
  • Specialized
8.2

A building design with parts joined in a T shape to give support and strength

A leaf or stem that has a sharp, stiff point at the tip

Surface Forms

spine singular
spines plural

Etymology

Spine comes from the Latin word spina meaning 'backbone' or 'thorn'. Think of a row of small spikes along your back to remember why the word means the column of bones that supports and protects the body.