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Backbone

//ˈbækˌboʊn// noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 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. 2
    the part of a network that connects other networks together wordnet
  3. 3
    Any fundamental support, structure, or infrastructure. countable, figuratively

    "Before automobiles, railroads were a backbone of commerce."

  4. 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. 5
    Courage, fortitude, or strength. figuratively, uncountable

    "He would make a good manager, if he had a little more backbone."

Show 3 more definitions
  1. 6
    fortitude and determination wordnet
  2. 7
    the series of vertebrae forming the axis of the skeleton and protecting the spinal cord wordnet
  3. 8
    a central cohesive source of support and stability wordnet

Etymology

From Middle English bakbon, bakebon, bac-bon; equivalent to back + bone. Compare the semantically analogous English ridgebone.

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