backbone

[bak-bohn]

noun

1. Anatomy.,  the spinal column; spine.

2. strength of character; resolution.

   Synonyms: fortitude, decision, firmness

3. something resembling a backbone in appearance, position, or function.

4. Bookbinding.,  a back or bound edge of a book; spine.

5. Nautical.,  a rope running along the middle of an awning, as a reinforcement and as an object to which a supporting bridle or crowfoot may be attached.

6. Naval Architecture.,  the central fore-and-aft assembly of the keel and keelson, giving longitudinal strength to the bottom of a vessel.

backbone

/ ˈbækˌbəʊn /

noun

1. a nontechnical name for spinal column

2. something that resembles the spinal column in function, position, or appearance

3. strength of character; courage

4. the main or central mountain range of a country or region

5. nautical the main longitudinal members of a vessel, giving structural strength

6. computing (in computer networks) a large-capacity, high-speed central section by which other network segments are connected

backbone

1. See vertebral column

backbone

1. The primary line(s) that connects the slower, shorter cable portions of a communications network together. (See last mile.) In larger networks, such as the Internet, a backbone consists of high-capacity, high-speed lines that can extend over great distances.

Other Word Forms

• backboned adjective
• backboneless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of backbone¹

1250–1300; Middle English bacbon. See back ¹, bone ( def. )

Example Sentences

Nvidia is coming off a 62% year-over-year revenue increase in the latest quarter, largely stemming from its work on data centers, the backbone of the AI industry and a key focus for investors.

Read more on MarketWatch

Punjabi Sikh truckers have emerged as the backbone of the American trucking industry.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Team has no backbone, there are a lot of players that are just not good enough.

Read more on BBC

"Their dedication, skill, and resilience are the backbone of this business," the statement continued.

Read more on BBC

"The cocoa sector, the backbone of Ghana's agricultural economy, stands to gain the most from improved access to the US market."

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• foundation 
• spine