backbone

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Pronunciation

• (British) IPA: /ˈbækˌbəʊn/
• (America) IPA: /ˈbækˌboʊn/

Noun

backbone

1. 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. (figuratively) Any fundamental support, structure, or infrastructure.

   Before automobiles, railroads were a backbone of commerce.

3. (figuratively) Courage, fortitude, or strength.

   He would make a good manager, if he had a little more backbone.

Synonyms

• spine
• spinal column
• vertebral column
• See also Thesaurus:backbone

Translations

• French: colonne vertébrale, rachis, épine dorsale
• German: Rückgrat, Wirbelsäule
• Italian: spina dorsale, colonna vertebrale, rachide
• Portuguese: coluna vertebral, espinha, espinha dorsal
• Russian: позвоно́чник
• Spanish: espina dorsal, columna vertebral

Translations

• French: épine dorsale
• German: Rückgrat
• Italian: base, spina dorsale
• Portuguese: base, espinha dorsal
• Russian: хребе́т
• Spanish: columna vertebral

Translations

• French: courage
• German: Rückgrat
• Italian: coraggio
• Portuguese: firmeza
• Russian: сте́ржень
• Spanish: coraje, carácter

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