backbone

Meaning

1. (countable) 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. (countable, figuratively) Any fundamental support, structure, or infrastructure.
3. (figuratively, uncountable) Courage, fortitude, or strength.

Synonyms

spine

spinal column

back

🔙

vertebral column

mainstay

spirit

chine

guts

rachis

grit

courage

ridge

main chain

sand

anchor

⚓

fortitude

bone

🦴

skeleton

moxie

gumption

nucleus

dorsum

pillar

vertebrae

keystone

linchpin

lynchpin

pivot

quill

rear

resolve

sacrum

saddle

self-confidence

self-respect

shaft

slab

soul

spinal cord

strength of character

trunk

valor

valour

vertebra

whip

will

willpower

center field

center fielder

centre field

Translations

colonne vertébrale

Rückgrat

épine dorsale

Wirbelsäule

columna vertebral

σπονδυλική στήλη

spina dorsale

ruggengraat

colonna vertebrale

espinha dorsal

rachis

coluna vertebral

échine

espina dorsal

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈbækˌbəʊn/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: bakbon

In summary

From Middle English bakbon, bakebon, bac-bon; equivalent to back + bone. Compare the semantically analogous English ridgebone.