Pronunciation: [t͡ʃˈa͡ɪnz] (IPA) 
The word "chines" may seem like a spelling mistake, but it is actually a valid English word that refers to steep coastal gorges. Its pronunciation can be transcribed as /tʃaɪnz/, with the "ch" sound being pronounced like the "sh" sound in "shin", followed by the vowel sound in "eye", and ending with the "nz" sound like in "pens". The plural form of "chine" is "chines", which is spelled with a final "s" to indicate its plurality.
Chines can be defined as a geographical term referring to a steep ravine or deep-cut valley, typically found in hilly or mountainous regions. It is often formed by erosion from water runoff, such as streams or rivers, over a long period of time. Chines can be characterized by their steep sides and narrow bottoms, creating a distinct and picturesque landscape.
The term "chines" originates from the Isle of Wight, an island off the south coast of England, where these features are prevalent. The word comes from the Old English "cinu," meaning a deep, narrow valley. Chines are particularly noteworthy on the Isle of Wight, with several famous examples like Shanklin Chine and Blackgang Chine, which have become popular tourist attractions for their natural beauty.
Chines are significant for their ecological and geological importance as well. They provide a habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna, often supporting unique and specialized species due to their distinct microclimate. The steep slopes and varying soil conditions within chines create different ecological niches, fostering a rich biodiversity.
Additionally, chines possess historical and cultural significance in certain regions. They may have been used as natural routes by early settlers or served as landmarks for navigation. In popular usage, "chines" can also refer to those specific chines found on the Isle of Wight, where the term originated.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
