Backbone: meaning, definitions and examples

💀

Add to dictionary

backbone

[ˈbækˌboʊn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

anatomy

The backbone is the column of small bones that forms the central part of the skeleton of most vertebrates, providing support and protection for the spinal cord.

Synonyms

spinal column, spine, vertebral column.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
backbone	This is commonly used in a metaphorical sense to refer to someone's courage, strength, or determination. It can also refer to the central support of an organization or system but can be used in medical or biological contexts as well. She showed a lot of backbone by standing up to the bully. Farmers are the backbone of the country’s economy.
spine	This is often used in medical and everyday contexts. It can describe the literal structure in your back that supports your body, but it can also be used metaphorically to describe someone's courage or moral strength. He felt a sharp pain in his spine after lifting the heavy box. She showed real spine when she refused to give up on her dreams.
vertebral column	This term is more formal and is usually found in medical, scientific, or technical writing to describe the spine. The vertebral column protects the spinal cord. Studies on the vertebral column provide insight into human evolution.
spinal column	This term is typically used in medical, biological, or anatomical contexts to describe the series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the lower back. The X-ray showed a misalignment in his spinal column. Injury to the spinal column can lead to serious complications.

Examples of usage

The backbone consists of individual vertebrae stacked on top of each other.
Injuries to the backbone can have serious consequences for overall health.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

figurative

The backbone can also refer to the fundamental support or foundation of something.

Synonyms

basis, core, foundation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
backbone	Refers to the main support or strength of something, often used to describe infrastructure, systems, or a person's essential character strength. 1 The internet's backbone must be robust to handle high data traffic 2 He showed great backbone in standing up for what he believed in
foundation	Indicates the base on which something is built, either literally, such as a building, or figuratively, such as an idea or organization. 1 The foundation of the house needs to be strong to prevent structural issues 2 Education is the foundation of a successful career
core	Refers to the central or most important part of something, often used in various contexts like business strategy, physical fitness, or software development. 1 The company's core values set it apart from competitors 2 Strengthening your core muscles can improve overall health
basis	Describes the underlying support or justification for a concept, decision, or argument, often referring to facts or reasoning. 1 The decision was made on the basis of recent research findings 2 Trust is the basis of a strong relationship

Examples of usage

Honesty and integrity are the backbone of a strong relationship.
Education is the backbone of a thriving society.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

technology

In the context of technology, backbone can refer to a high-speed network infrastructure that links together various smaller networks.

Synonyms

central network, core infrastructure, mainframe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
backbone	Typically used in contexts where it signifies the most critical part of a system or organization, often linking various smaller components together. It can apply to physical networks, anatomy, or even metaphorically to describe a key support system. The backbone of the internet includes major data routes all over the world. Trust and communication form the backbone of a healthy relationship.
mainframe	Commonly used in computing to refer to a large, powerful computer that is used primarily by large organizations for bulk data processing and critical applications. Banks and insurance companies often rely on mainframes to run their daily operations. The mainframe can handle vast amounts of transactions simultaneously.
central network	Most appropriate in technical contexts, particularly in IT and telecommunications, where it refers to the primary network that connects and supports other networks or systems. The company upgraded its central network to improve connection speeds for all branches. A robust central network is crucial for the stability of an enterprise’s IT department.
core infrastructure	Used to talk about the essential systems and structures needed for the operation of a country, organization, or project. This term often has a broader, more comprehensive meaning, encompassing multiple systems or facilities. Investing in core infrastructure like roads and bridges can boost the economy. The new data centers are part of our core infrastructure development plan.

Examples of usage

The company's backbone network ensures fast and reliable communication between different offices.
The backbone of the internet is made up of major network links around the world.

Interesting Facts

Anatomy

The backbone is made up of 33 small bones called vertebrae that stack on top of each other.
It protects the spinal cord, which is crucial for sending messages between your brain and the rest of your body.
The areas of the backbone are divided into regions: cervical (neck), thoracic (upper back), lumbar (lower back), sacrum, and coccyx.

Etymology

The word 'backbone' comes from the Old English 'bac' meaning back, and 'bona' meaning bone, reflecting its literal meaning.
It evolved into Middle English as 'bak-bone', relating not just to anatomy but also metaphorically, as in someone having strength or moral courage.

Cultural Significance

'Backbone' is often used in idiomatic expressions, like 'having backbone' which means having courage or strength of character.
In various cultures, the backbone also refers to the main support of an idea, organization, or community, highlighting its symbolic importance.

Science

In animals, the backbone, or vertebral column, varies greatly – for instance, fish have a flexible spine, while humans have a more rigid structure.
Research shows that spinal health is crucial for mobility, and issues like scoliosis can significantly affect a person’s quality of life.

Literature and Media

The backbone often symbolizes resilience in literature, representing characters who stand firm during challenges.
In modern storytelling, characters who are described as having a 'strong backbone' are often portrayed as heroes or leaders who inspire others.

Translations

Translations of the word "backbone" in other languages:

🇵🇹 espinha dorsal

coluna vertebral
sustentação

🇮🇳 मेरुदंड

रीढ़ की हड्डी
मुख्य आधार

🇩🇪 Rückgrat

Wirbelsäule
Stütze

🇮🇩 tulang punggung

tulang belakang
pondasi

🇺🇦 хребет

основа
каркас

🇵🇱 kręgosłup

podstawa
oparcie

🇯🇵 背骨 (せぼね)

中軸 (ちゅうじく)
支え (ささえ)

🇫🇷 colonne vertébrale

épine dorsale
soutien

🇪🇸 columna vertebral

espina dorsal
soporte

🇹🇷 omurga

belkemiği
dayanak

🇰🇷 척추 (cheokchu)

등뼈 (deungppyeo)
중심 (jungsim)

🇸🇦 عمود فقري

دعامة
أساس

🇨🇿 páteř

hřbet
základ

🇸🇰 chrbtica

základ
opora

🇨🇳 脊柱 (jǐzhù)

支柱 (zhīzhù)
骨干 (gǔgàn)

🇸🇮 hrbtenica

osnovna podpora
steber

🇮🇸 hryggur

burðarás
stoð

🇰🇿 омыртқа жотасы

негізгі тірек
тірек

🇬🇪 ზურგის ხერხემალი

საყრდენი
საფუძველი

🇦🇿 onurğa

əsas
dayaq

🇲🇽 columna vertebral

espina dorsal
soporte