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

"The country and the people who took down a ban on professional boxing so I could come home - they've been the backbone of my career."

From BBC

“Immigrants are the backbone of L.A., and queer people have always been at the heart of building community and mobilizing others,” said Alpuche.

From Los Angeles Times

The trick was finding something with the right balance: a little sweetness, enough backbone to be stuffed and twisted, and that yeasty rise that makes monkey bread more than a party trick.

From Salon

"I just think it's so freaking cool to have anime be this mainstream thing and Demon Slayer be the backbone of that," says Zach.

From BBC

Air’s intense focus gave these wispy songs a strong backbone too.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• foundation 
• spine