n.

1. 脊柱，脊椎[C]
   His spine developed a slight curve.

   他的脊柱有点弯曲。

2. （动、植物的）刺，针[C]
   a cactus with red spines

   长着红刺的仙人掌

3. 似脊隆起的地带[C]
   The land is flat and marshy before rising to a spine of low hills.

   这一带地形平坦而多沼泽，再往远去地势隆起，形成矮山陵地。

4. 书脊[C]
5. 骨气，勇气[U]
   He has spine and starch.

   他有骨气，有热情。

n.

1. a series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the small of the back, enclosing the spinal cord and providing support for the thorax and abdomen; the backbone.
2. a central feature or main source of strength.
3. the part of a book's jacket or cover that encloses the inner edges of the pages.
4. chiefly Zoology  & Botany  a prickle or other hard pointed projection or structure.
5. (also pay spine) a linear pay scale operated by some large organizations that allows flexibility for local and specific conditions.