backbone

English

Etymology

From Middle English bakbon, bakebon, bac-bon, equivalent to back +‎ bone. Compare the semantically analogous Old English hryċġbān (“backbone; spine”).

Pronunciation
  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈbækˌbəʊn/
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈbækˌboʊn/
  • Audio (US)(file)

Noun

backbone (countable and uncountable, plural backbones)

  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.
  2. (figuratively) Any fundamental support, structure, or infrastructure.
    Before automobiles, railroads were a backbone of commerce.
  3. (figuratively) Courage, fortitude, or strength.
    He would make a good manager, if he had a little more backbone.

Synonyms

Translations
backbone — see spine
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