English dictionary
backbone
nounPronunciation
ˈbækˌbəʊn
Audio pronunciation
Parts of speech
Definitions
noun
- the part of a network that connects other networks together
noun
- the part of a book's cover that encloses the inner side of the book's pages and that faces outward when the book is shelved
noun
- fortitude and determination
noun
- the series of vertebrae forming the axis of the skeleton and protecting the spinal cord
noun
- a central cohesive source of support and stability
Example sentences
the backbone is the part of a communication network that carries the heaviest traffic
the title and author were printed on the spine of the book
he didn't have the guts to try it
the fall broke his back
faith is his anchor
the keystone of campaign reform was the ban on soft money
he is the linchpin of this firm