spina

thorn, spine

noun SPEE-nah Rare

Origin: From Latin 'spina' (thorn, spine, backbone).

Also means

plug, tap (electrical/beer)

Usage Note

Spina has several important senses: a plant thorn (spina di rosa), a fish bone (spina di pesce), an electrical plug (spina elettrica, the prong plug), and the tap on a beer keg — birra alla spina (draft beer) is extremely common in Italian bars. Avere una spina nel fianco (to have a thorn in one's side) is an idiomatic expression for a persistent annoyance.

Examples

"Prendo una birra alla spina."

Natural Translation

I'll have a draft beer.

Literal Translation

I-take one beer at-the tap.

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