backbone

[bak-bohn] /ˈbækˌboʊn/
noun
1.
Anatomy. the spinal column; spine.
2.
strength of character; resolution.
3.
something resembling a backbone in appearance, position, or function.
4.
Bookbinding. a back or bound edge of a book; spine.
5.
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.
6.
Naval Architecture. the central fore-and-aft assembly of the keel and keelson, giving longitudinal strength to the bottom of a vessel.
Origin
1250-1300; Middle English bacbon. See back1, bone1
Related forms
backboned, adjective
backboneless, adjective
Synonyms
2. firmness, decision, fortitude.
British Dictionary definitions for backbones

backbone

/ˈbækˌbəʊn/
noun
1.
a nontechnical name for spinal column
2.
something that resembles the spinal column in function, position, or appearance
3.
strength of character; courage
4.
the main or central mountain range of a country or region
5.
(nautical) the main longitudinal members of a vessel, giving structural strength
6.
(computing) (in computer networks) a large-capacity, high-speed central section by which other network segments are connected
Word Origin and History for backbones

backbone

n.

"spine," early 14c., from back (n.) + bone (n.). Figurative sense of "strength of character" is attested from 1843.

backbones in Medicine

backbone back·bone (bāk'bōn')
n.
See spinal column.

backbones in Science
backbone
  (bāk'bōn')   
See vertebral column.
backbones in Culture

backbone definition


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.

Slang definitions & phrases for backbones

backbone

noun

Integrity and courage; fortitude: If you had any backbone, you would deal with him