Wordiyospin
LatinVariants
spinspina
Related Roots
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About This Root
From Latin spīna (thorn, prickle, backbone). The dual sense of 'thorn' and 'backbone' gives rise to spine (the vertebral column), spinal, spiny (covered in thorns), and spineless (lacking a backbone — figuratively, lacking courage). Spinet (a small harpsichord) was named for its quill-like plucking mechanism, resembling small thorns.
Associated Words
spin
To rotate rapidly; to twist fibres into yarn; a biased presentation of information
NGSL 3kIELTSTOEFL
spinal
Of or relating to the spine or spinal cord
TOEFLB2
spine
The backbone; a sharp pointed projection; the bound edge of a book
TOEFLB2
spined
Having spines or sharp projections
TOEFLB2
spineless
Lacking a backbone; cowardly or lacking moral courage
TOEFLGREC2
spinet
A small, compact harpsichord or upright piano
TOEFLC2
spiny
Covered with spines or thorns; troublesome or difficult
TOEFLGREC2