1 chine | Definition of chine

chine

noun
\ ˈchīn How to pronounce chine (audio) \

Definition of chine

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : backbone, spine also : a cut of meat including all or part of the backbone
2 : the intersection of the bottom and the sides of a flat or V-bottomed boat

chine

verb
chined; chining

Definition of chine (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to cut through the backbone of (as in butchering)

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Examples of chine in a Sentence

Noun

uncovered the chine of some animal while digging in the backyard

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The chine fuselage and delta-wing design will allow the XB-1 and the ultimate passenger plane to achieve supersonic speeds without the need for afterburning turbofans, resulting in more efficient flight. Jay Bennett, Popular Mechanics, "This Slick Jet Could Repave the Way for Commercial Supersonic Flight," 15 Nov. 2016 The ham has a very distant British cousin called stuffed chine. Kim Severson, New York Times, "In This Corner of Maryland, Holidays Mean a Stuffed Ham," 19 Mar. 2018 Have your butcher crack the roast's chine (backbone) and, for an elegant presentation, french the ribs (trim meat from ends of bone). Woman's Day, "Pork Loin with Cherry-Orange Compote," 17 Nov. 2011 With high necklines and long, full sleeves, rendered in fluid fabrics like silk georgette and crêpe de chine, these are not prudish throwbacks but blank canvases for designer whimsy. Kimberly Chrisman-campbell, WSJ, "Fall’s Statement Blouse: Jolt Your Work Look," 14 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'chine.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of chine

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for chine

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French eschine, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German scina shinbone, needle — more at shin

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More from Merriam-Webster on chine

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with chine

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for chine