Spine (?), n. [L. spina thorn, the spine; akin to spica a point: cf. OF. espine, F. 'epine. Cf. Spike, Spinet a musical instrument, Spinny.]

1. Bot.

A sharp appendage to any of a plant; a thorn.

2. Zool. (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.

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

4.

Anything resembling the spine or backbone; a ridge.

 

© Webster 1913.