backbone

American  

[bak-bohn] / ˈbækˌboʊn /

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 British  

/ 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 Scientific  

/ băk′bōn′ /

1. See vertebral column

---

backbone Cultural  

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

Etymology

Origin of backbone

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

Example Sentences

"It's only right that larger estates contribute more, while we back the farms and trading businesses that are the backbone of Britain's rural communities."

From BBC

Providing unskilled public work across all but fully urban districts, the scheme has become a backbone of rural livelihoods, cushioning demand during economic shocks.

From BBC

Hall’s studio ledgers, recording equipment and instruments form a backbone of the exhibit.

From The Wall Street Journal

This effort will constitute the backbone of a new trans-Atlantic strategy.

From The Wall Street Journal

Fold in winter herbs like tarragon, rosemary, or thyme, or add a swipe of really good mustard for heat and backbone.

From Salon

Related Words

• foundation
• spine