backbone

noun

back·​bone ˈbak-ˈbōn 

-ˌbōn

1

: spinal column, spine

2

: something that resembles a backbone: such as

a

: a chief mountain ridge, range, or system

b

: the foundation or most substantial or sturdiest part of something

c

: the longest chain of atoms or groups of atoms in a usually long molecule (such as a polymer or protein)

d

: the primary high-speed hardware and transmission lines of a telecommunications network (such as the Internet)

3

: firm and resolute character

4

: spine sense 1c

backboned

ˈbak-ˌbōnd 

adjective

Synonyms

• chine
• spinal column
• spine
• vertebral column

Examples of backbone in a Sentence

She is the backbone of the family.

He showed some backbone by refusing to compromise his values.

Recent Examples on the Web

Data centers are the backbone of today’s modern digital economy, fueling the rise of cloud computing technology that enables access to storage, compute and analytics services via the internet. —Ryan Browne, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2024

Enhancing Digital Identity: A robust PKI could form the backbone of more secure and privacy-preserving digital identity systems. —Echul Shin, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024

Gorsuch is one of two justices who wants to overrule New York Times v. Sullivan (1964), a seminal First Amendment decision that is the backbone of press freedom in the United States. —Ian Millhiser, Vox, 25 Sep. 2024

This involves focusing intently on the creative community that forms the backbone of Etsy and ensuring the platform continues to be a preferred place for authentic crafts. —Arthur Zaczkiewicz, WWD, 25 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

backbone

noun

back·​bone -ˈbōn 

-ˌbōn

1

: the skeleton of the trunk and tail of a vertebrate that consists of a jointed series of vertebrae enclosing and protecting the spinal cord

called also spinal column

2

: the foundation or sturdiest part of something

3

: firmness of character

a coward with no backbone

backboned

-ˈbōnd 

-ˌbōnd

adjective

Medical Definition

backbone

noun

back·​bone -ˈbōn, -ˌbōn 

1

: spinal column, spine

2

: the longest chain of atoms or groups of atoms in a usually long molecule (as a polymer or protein)