Category:Spine

Spine, n. Etym: [l. spina thorn, the spine; akin to spica a point: Cf. Of. espine, f. épine. Cf. Spike, spinet a musical instrument, Spinny.]

1. (bot.)

Defn: a sharp appendage to any of a plant; a thorn.

2. (zoöl.) (a) a rigid and sharp projection upon any part of an animal. (b) one of the rigid and undivided fin rays of a fish.

3. (anat.)

Defn: the backbone, or spinal column, of an animal; -- so called from The projecting processes upon the vertebræ.

4. Anything resembling the spine or backbone; a ridge.