spine
9 synonyms for spine, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The column of bones running down the back, from the head down to the tail or pelvis, that protects the spinal cord and holds up the chest and abdomen.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
Came from late Middle English spyne, from Old French espine (French épine) or its source, Latin spīna (“a thorn; a prickle, spine; the backbone”). A doublet of spina.
Full origin of spine →