backbone

[ bak-bohn ]
/ ˈbækˌboʊn /

noun

Anatomy. the spinal column; spine.
strength of character; resolution.
something resembling a backbone in appearance, position, or function.
Bookbinding. a back or bound edge of a book; spine.
Nautical. a rope running along the middle of an awning, as a reinforcement and as an object to which a supporting bridle or crowfoot may be attached.
Naval Architecture. the central fore-and-aft assembly of the keel and keelson, giving longitudinal strength to the bottom of a vessel.

Origin of backbone

1250–1300; Middle English bacbon. See back1, bone

OTHER WORDS FROM backbone

back·boned, adjective back·bone·less, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for backbone

British Dictionary definitions for backbone

backbone
/ (ˈbækˌbəʊn) /

noun

a nontechnical name for spinal column
something that resembles the spinal column in function, position, or appearance
strength of character; courage
the main or central mountain range of a country or region
nautical the main longitudinal members of a vessel, giving structural strength
computing (in computer networks) a large-capacity, high-speed central section by which other network segments are connected

Medical definitions for backbone

backbone
[ băkbōn′ ]

n.

spinal column

Scientific definitions for backbone

backbone
[ băkbōn′ ]

See vertebral column.

Cultural definitions for backbone

backbone

The primary line(s) that connects the slower, shorter cable portions of a communications network together. (See last mile.) In larger networks, such as the Internet, a backbone consists of high-capacity, high-speed lines that can extend over great distances.