Definitions

(noun) spine; backbone
(noun) ridge; elevated line

Etymology

Originally was a pictograph of a fish spine. Later changed into a phonosemantic compound with ⺼ representing the meaning and representing the sound.

About

The character 脊 is a structural ideogram. Its lower part is the flesh radical 月, which classifies it as an anatomical term related to the body. The upper portion visually depicts a series of linked vertebrae. The primary meaning is the physical spine or backbone. This concept of a central, elevated supporting structure is extended metaphorically to describe geographical features like mountain ridges and architectural elements such as the raised ridges of traditional roofs.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他的背很直。

Tā de jǐbèi hěn zhí.

His back is very straight.

上有一棵树。

Shānjǐ shàng yǒu yī kē shù.

There is a tree on the mountain ridge.

医生检查了他的柱。

Yīshēng jiǎnchá le tā de jǐzhù.

The doctor examined his spine.

猫的椎非常灵活。

Māo de jǐzhuī fēicháng línghuó.

A cat's spine is very flexible.

的瓦片需要修理。

Wūjǐ de wǎpiàn xūyào xiūlǐ.

The tiles on the roof ridge need repair.

登山者沿着陡峭的山前进。

Dēngshān zhě yánzhe dǒuqiào de shānjǐ qiánjìn.

The climbers advanced along the steep mountain ridge.

长期的错误姿势会导致柱侧弯。

Chángqī de cuòwù zīshì huì dǎozhì jǐzhù cèwān.

Long-term incorrect posture can lead to scoliosis.

在解剖学中,椎动物的特征是有索或柱。

Zài jiěpōuxué zhōng, jǐzhuī dòngwù de tèzhēng shì yǒu jǐsuǒ huò jǐzhù.

In anatomy, the characteristic of vertebrates is having a notochord or spine.