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 朿 representing the sound.
About
The character 脊, denoting the spine, originated from a pictorial concept of the vertebral column. Its contemporary structure consists of an upper portion suggestive of vertebrae and a lower component 月, which is the form of 肉 (flesh) when used as a radical. While its core meaning refers to the anatomical backbone, the term has broadened to describe analogous linear elevations like a mountain ridge or the crest of a hill.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他的脊背很直。
山脊上有一棵树。
医生检查了他的脊柱。
猫的脊椎非常灵活。
屋脊的瓦片需要修理。
登山者沿着陡峭的山脊前进。
长期的错误姿势会导致脊柱侧弯。
在解剖学中，脊椎动物的特征是有脊索或脊柱。