Backbone: meaning, definitions and examples
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backbone
[ ˈbækˌboʊn ]
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
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.
figurative
The backbone can also refer to the fundamental support or foundation of something.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Honesty and integrity are the backbone of a strong relationship.
- Education is the backbone of a thriving society.
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
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.
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
Word origin
The word 'backbone' originated in the mid-17th century as a compound of 'back' and 'bone', referring to the central supporting structure in vertebrate animals. Over time, it has evolved to also represent the core support or foundation of various aspects, from anatomy to technology. The metaphorical use of 'backbone' highlights the essential nature of a strong and resilient framework in different contexts.
See also: back, backchat, backdrop, backed, backer, backers, backhander, backing, backline, backmarker, backpack, backroom, backside, backspace, backstop, backup, backward, backwards, backyard, unbacked.