rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryspineSharp projection
noun

spine

A stiff, sharp point growing from a plant or animal.

The cactus has long sharp spines.

Etymology
spineLatinthorn

The Latin word means thorn. The biological sense directly preserves the image of a sharp, stiff projection.

More examples

  • A spine caught in his glove.
  • The fish raised the spines along its back.
  • She carefully removed the broken spine from the fabric.

Forms

spine · spines

spiny adjective — having sharp projections

Similar words

thorn
A sharp projection on a plant.
quill
A stiff protective spine on some animals.