Advertisement
Advertisement
backbone
[bak-bohn]
noun
Anatomy.the spinal column; spine.
strength of character; resolution.
Synonyms: , ,something resembling a backbone in appearance, position, or function.
Bookbinding.a back or bound edge of a book; spine.
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.
Naval Architecture.the central fore-and-aft assembly of the keel and keelson, giving longitudinal strength to the bottom of a vessel.
backbone
/ ˈæˌəʊ /
noun
a nontechnical name for spinal column
something that resembles the spinal column in function, position, or appearance
strength of character; courage
the main or central mountain range of a country or region
nautical the main longitudinal members of a vessel, giving structural strength
computing (in computer networks) a large-capacity, high-speed central section by which other network segments are connected
backbone
See vertebral column
Other Word Forms
- backboned adjective
- backboneless adjective
Word History and Origins
Origin of backbone1
Example Sentences
“He was my backbone,” she said “Who’s going to pick up my kids. Who’s going to take them to music class?”
Both organizations record for and are considered the ‘backbone’ of Capitol.
President Trump promised a new “golden age” for America, but it’s been anything but that for Los Angeles, with its dependence on trade and immigrant labor — two backbones of the region’s economy.
“He lost his backbone and destroyed his future.”
"She stepped up to become our anchor and backbone because we lost our parents when we were growing up," he says.
Advertisement
Related Words
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse