Spine
Pronunciation : Spine
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [L. spina thorn, the spine; akin to spica a point: cf. OF. espine, F. ?pine. Cf. Spike, Spinet a musical instrument, Spinny.]
Definition : 1. (Bot.)
Defn: A sharp appendage to any of a plant; a thorn.
2. (Zo?l.) (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 vertebr?.
4. Anything resembling the spine or backbone; a ridge.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913