Definition: spine

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Source: WordNet (r) 1.7 

spine
     n 1: the series of vertebrae forming the axis of the skeleton and
          protecting the spinal cord; "the fall broke his back"
          [syn: spinal column, vertebral column, backbone, back,
           rachis]
     2: any pointed projection [syn: spur]
     3: a sharp-pointed tip on a stem or leaf [syn: thorn, prickle,
         pricker, sticker]
     4: a sharp rigid animal process or appendage; as a porcupine
        quill or a ridge on a bone or a ray of a fish fin

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) 

Spine \Spine\, n. [L. spina thorn, the spine; akin to spica a
   point: cf. OF. espine, F. ['e]pine. Cf. Spike, Spinet a
   musical instrument, Spinny.]
   1. (Bot.) A sharp appendage to any of a plant; a thorn.

   2. (Zo["o]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.) The backbone, or spinal column, of an animal; --
      so called from the projecting processes upon the
      vertebr[ae].

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