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 raids are no longer about border security, Durazo said, but “about breaking the backbone of our economy and terrorizing families.”

From Los Angeles Times

The state’s community colleges and California State University campuses are “the backbone of our workforce and economic development,” Newsom said, just before education leaders and tech executives signed agreements on AI.

From Los Angeles Times

Beyond acting, he remembers her as someone always willing to help others within her community and as "the pillar of the family" and their "backbone".

From BBC

Oregano, especially in its dried form — which sharpens and intensifies into something almost resinous, unlike its greener, more delicate fresh counterpart — has become the backbone of my pantry cooking.

From Salon

“Our black and white patrol vehicles are the backbone of our day-to-day patrol law enforcement functions here in our county,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• foundation 
• spine