1. (n.) A sharp appendage to any of a plant; a thorn.

2. (n.) A rigid and sharp projection upon any part of an animal.

3. (n.) One of the rigid and undivided fin rays of a fish.

4. (n.) The backbone, or spinal column, of an animal; -- so called from the projecting processes upon the vertebrae.

5. (n.) Anything resembling the spine or backbone; a ridge.

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