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spine

noun
 
🔊/spaɪn/
🔊/spaɪn/
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  1.  
    the row of small bones that are connected together down the middle of the back脊柱；脊椎
     synonym backbone
    • A shiver went down my spine.我背上一阵发冷
    • the nerves in the spine脊椎神经
    Topics Bodyc1
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • fractured
    • cervical
    • lumbar
    • …
    verb + spine
    • bend
    • curve
    • straighten
    • …
    preposition
    • in the/​your spine
    phrases
    • the base of the spine
    • the length of somebody’s spine
    • curvature of the spine
    • …
    See full entry
  2. the central feature of something or the main source of its strength书脊
    • These speeches form the spine of his election campaign.这些演讲构成了他竞选活动的主干。
  3. strength of character
    • Their protests stiffened the spines of party activists.他们的抗议坚定了该党积极分子的信念。
    • The legislature must grow a spine and demand these changes.立法机关必须长出一根脊柱，并要求做出这些改变。
  4. any of the sharp, pointed parts like needles on some plants and animals（植物的）刺；（动物的）刺毛
    • Porcupines use their spines to protect themselves.豪猪用身上的刺毛来自卫。🔊🔊
    see also spiny
    Extra Examples
    • Hedgehogs are covered with sharp spines.刺猬身上长满利刺。
    • Once embedded in the skin, these savage spines are difficult to dislodge.这些厉害的刺扎入了皮肤，就很难拔出来。
    Topics Plants and treesc2, Animalsc2
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • sharp
    • fine
    • poisonous
    • …
    verb + spine
    • bear
    • have
    See full entry
  5. the narrow part of the cover of a book that the pages are joined to书脊Topics Literature and writingc2
    6. Word Originlate Middle English: shortening of Old French espine, or from Latin spina ‘thorn, prickle, backbone’.