Definition of Backbone

1. Noun. A central cohesive source of support and stability. "He is the linchpin of this firm"

Exact synonyms: Anchor, Keystone, Linchpin, Lynchpin, Mainstay
Generic synonyms: Support
Derivative terms: Anchor

2. Noun. Fortitude and determination. "He didn't have the guts to try it"
Exact synonyms: Grit, Gumption, Guts, Moxie, Sand
Generic synonyms: Fortitude
Language type: Colloquialism
Derivative terms: Gritty, Gutsy

3. Noun. The series of vertebrae forming the axis of the skeleton and protecting the spinal cord. "The fall broke his back"

4. Noun. 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. "The title and author were printed on the spine of the book"
Exact synonyms: Spine
Group relationships: Book, Volume
Generic synonyms: Part, Portion

5. Noun. The part of a network that connects other networks together. "The backbone is the part of a communication network that carries the heaviest traffic"
Generic synonyms: Connecter, Connection, Connective, Connector, Connexion
Group relationships: Mesh, Meshing, Meshwork, Net, Network

Definition of Backbone

1. n. The column of bones in the back which sustains and gives firmness to the frame; the spine; the vertebral or spinal column.

Definition of Backbone

1. Noun. 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. ¹

2. Noun. any fundamental support, structure, or infrastructure ¹

3. Noun. courage, fortitude, or strength ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Backbone

1. the spine [n -S] - See also: spine

Medical Definition of Backbone

1. The spinal column, found in vertebrate animals, which runs along the dorsal side and contains the central nerve cord (spinal cord). The main structural feature of a polymer (chain-like) molecule from which many side chains branch off. (09 Oct 1997)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Backbone

backbiters
backbites
backbiting
backbitings
backbitten
backblast
backblasts
backblock
backblocks
backboard
backboard splint
backboards
backbond
backbonding ligand
backbonds
backbone (current term)
backboned
backboneless
backbones
backbox
backboxes
backbreaker
backbreakers
backbreaking
backbreakingly
backburn
backburned
backburner
backburners
backburning

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