backbone — the series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the pelvis; the spine
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the pelvis; the spine
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈbækboʊn/
Example Sentences
- My grandmother may be 80, but she still has the backbone to argue with telemarketers for an hour.
- The internet backbone carries data across continents.
- He's got about as much backbone as a chocolate éclair.
backbone
NOUN[/ˈbækboʊn/]
the series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the pelvis; the spine
The volunteers became the backbone of the community after the disaster.
The backbone supports the entire body. (🦴 Back + 💪 Support → Backbone)
The backbone of the team stood alone when everyone else gave up.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Backbone emerged in Middle English around the 14th century as a compound of 'back' and 'bone', literally denoting the spine. The term subsequently evolved metaphorically to signify a principal support structure or fundamental strength, and later extended to represent courage and moral fortitude.
Breakdown
back (dorsal surface) + bone (skeletal element); the compound originally referred to the vertebral column before acquiring figurative meanings of structural support and inner strength.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandmother may be 80, but she still has the backbone to argue with telemarketers for an hour.”
“The internet backbone carries data across continents.”
“He's got about as much backbone as a chocolate éclair.”
“Agriculture remains the backbone of many developing countries.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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