What does "backbone" mean?

The series of vertebrae, separated by disks, that encloses and protects the spinal cord, and runs down the middle of the back in vertebrate animals.

What is a synonym for "backbone"?

Common synonyms include: firmness, fortitude, spinal column, spinal column, spine, spine.

//ˈbækˌboʊn// noun

noun ·Common ·High school level

Noun

1
The series of vertebrae, separated by disks, that encloses and protects the spinal cord, and runs down the middle of the back in vertebrate animals. countable
2
the part of a network that connects other networks together wordnet
3
Any fundamental support, structure, or infrastructure. countable, figuratively
"Before automobiles, railroads were a backbone of commerce."
4
the part of a book's cover that encloses the inner side of the book's pages and that faces outward when the book is shelved wordnet
5
Courage, fortitude, or strength. figuratively, uncountable
"He would make a good manager, if he had a little more backbone."

Show 3 more definitions

6
fortitude and determination wordnet
7
the series of vertebrae forming the axis of the skeleton and protecting the spinal cord wordnet
8
a central cohesive source of support and stability wordnet