1. (

• spinal_column ,
• vertebral_column ,
• spine ,
• backbone ,
• back ,
• rachis

) the series of vertebrae forming the axis of the skeleton and protecting the spinal cord; "the fall broke his back" ;

2. (

• spur ,
• spine ,
• acantha

) any sharply pointed projection ;

3. (

• spine ,
• thorn ,
• prickle ,
• pricker ,
• sticker ,
• spikelet

) a small sharp-pointed tip resembling a spike on a stem or leaf ;

4. (

• spine ,
• backbone ,

) the part of a book's cover that encloses the inner side of the book's pages and that faces outward when the book is shelved; "the title and author were printed on the spine of the book" ;

5. (

• spine

) a sharp rigid animal process or appendage; as a porcupine quill or a ridge on a bone or a ray of a fish fin ;

1. (

• spin ,
• spin_around ,
• whirl ,
• reel ,
• gyrate ,

) revolve quickly and repeatedly around one's own axis; "The dervishes whirl around and around without getting dizzy" ;

2. (

• spin

) stream in jets, of liquids; "The creek spun its course through the woods" ;

3. (

• whirl ,
• birl ,
• spin ,
• twirl ,

) cause to spin; "spin a coin" ;

4. (

• spin ,

) make up a story; "spin a yarn" ;

5. (

• spin

) form a web by making a thread; "spiders spin a fine web" ;

6. (

• spin

) work natural fibers into a thread; "spin silk" ;

7. (

• spin

) twist and turn so as to give an intended interpretation; "The President's spokesmen had to spin the story to make it less embarrassing" ;

8. (

• spin ,
• spin_out

) prolong or extend; "spin out a visit" ;