backbone
ˈbækˌboʊn
Definition Synonyms

Definition of backbone - Reverso English Dictionary

Noun

1.
medicalthe series of vertebrae protecting the spinal cord
  • The doctor examined the patient's backbone for injuries.
spine vertebral column
2.
supportthe main support of a system or organization
  • The volunteers are the backbone of the charity.
cornerstone foundation pillar
3.
technologyTECH.the central part of a network connecting segmentsTECH.
  • The backbone of the internet ensures global connectivity.
center core hub
4.
charactercourage or strength of character
  • She showed backbone by standing up to the bully.
fortitude guts
5.
bookRarethe spine of a book's coverRare
  • The title is printed on the backbone of the book.
binding spine
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Images of backbone

  • backbone: the spine of a book's cover
    the spine of a book's cover

Expressions with backbone

💡 Discover popular phrases, idioms, collocations, or phrasal verbs. Click any expression to learn more, listen to its pronunciation, or save it to your favorites.
most important part of something
The volunteers are the backbone of the organization.
lack of courage or strength to stand up for oneself
He has no backbone and never speaks up for himself.
most important part providing support and stability
The dedicated team is the backbone of the organisation.
most essential part of an organization
The IT department is the backbone of the organization.
be the most important part of something
Small businesses form the backbone of the economy.
become more courageous or assertive
He needs to grow a backbone and stand up to his boss.

Origin of backbone

Old English, bæc (back) + bān (bone)

Terms with backbone included in their meaning

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animal biology
animal with a backbone or spinal column
organism
relating to animals with a backbone or spinal column
internet backbone
entity managing network infrastructure
medical
lower back part of the backbone containing the lumbar vertebrae
spinaladj.
medical
relating to the spine or backbone
zoology
animal without a backbone
biology
relating to animals without a backbone
medical
serious harm to the backbone or the nerve cord inside it

Examples of backbone in a sentence

  • Yoga can help strengthen your backbone.
  • The IT department is the backbone of the company.
  • Farmers form the backbone of the rural economy.
  • The backbone supports multiple data centers across the region.
  • A robust backbone is crucial for seamless communication.
  • He had the backbone to voice his unpopular opinion.

View all translations of backbone

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:colonne vertébrale, ossature, ...
  2. German:Wirbelsäule, Stütze, ...
  3. Italian:spina dorsale, colonna portante, ...
  4. Spanish:columna vertebral, pilar, ...
  5. Portuguese:coluna vertebral, espinha dorsal, ...
  6. Chinese:脊椎, 支柱, ...
  7. Japanese:背骨, 中核, ...
  8. Arabic:العَمُود الفِقَرِي, عَمُود فَقَرِي, ...
  9. Hebrew:עַמּוּד הַשִּׁדְרָה, עַמּוּד הַתָּוֶוךְ, ...
  10. Russian:позвоночник, основа, ...
  11. Ukrainian:хребет, основа, ...
  12. Hindi:रीढ़, मुख्य आधार, ...
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