/spaɪn; spaɪn/
n
1 row of bones along the back of humans and some animals; backbone 脊柱; 脊椎
*He sustained an injury to his spine when he fell off his horse. 他从马上摔下来, 伤了脊梁骨. =>illus at skeleton 见skeleton插图.
2 any of the sharp needle-like parts on some plants (eg cactuses) and animals (eg porcupines, hedgehogs) （仙人掌等的）刺; （豪猪、刺　等的）刺毛. =>illus at App
1 见附录1插图, page iii.
3 back part of the cover of a book, where the pages are joined together (ie the part that is visible when it is in a row on a shelf, usu with the book's title on it) 书脊.

n
backbone, breastbone, collarbone, kneecap, pelvis, skull, spine, rib
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin;Origin: spina]
[C]
the row of bones down the centre of your back that supports your body and protects your spinal cord
= backbone
→spinal
[C]
a stiff sharp point on an animal or plant
→spiny
　cactus spines
[C]
the part of a book that the pages are fastened onto
[U]
courage or determination