chines

noun

plural of chine
as in spines
a column of bones supporting the trunk of a vertebrate animal uncovered the chine of some animal while digging in the backyard

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of chines At low speeds, the wide upper chines deliver stability and good fuel performance. — Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 8 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chines
  1. spines
  2. backbones
  3. backs
Noun
  • The Food and Drug Administration has again paused trials for Regenxbio’s gene therapy for a rare childhood brain disorder, after small masses were found on the spines of five patients, the company said Monday.
    — Jason Mast, STAT, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Four patients getting routine joint replacement surgeries at a hospital in Nashville allegedly had the wrong drug injected into their spines, leaving at least one woman paralyzed, according to her family.
    — Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of spines
Noun
  • More specifically, insects are invertebrates (animals without backbones) and are part of the arthropod phylum, which also includes spiders, crabs, and centipedes.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Look under rocks for macroinvertebrates (animals without backbones, like stoneflies).
    — Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 18 June 2026
Definition of backbones
Noun
  • After being implanted beneath the skin of their backs, the tissues developed their own blood supply and began to contract spontaneously.
    — Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • One of these backs could be a healthy scratch for the opener.
    — Dan Duggan, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of backs

Browse Nearby Words

chine
chines
chink
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Cite this Entry

“Chines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chines. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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