1 the bones of the back of a person or animal 脊柱；脊椎 [SYN] backbone 同义词为backbone ☞picture at body 见body插图

2 one of the sharp points like needles, on some plants and animals （动植物的）刺: Porcupines use their spines to protect themselves. 豪猪用刺来保护自己。 ☞Look at prickle. 参看prickle。

3 the narrow part of the cover of a book that you can see when it is on a shelf 书脊