26984 words

backbone

8 definitions • 8 examples
1
the line of bones down the centre of the back that provides support for the body:

Examples:

She stood with her backbone rigid.
2
the most important part of something, providing support for everything else:

Examples:

Farming is the backbone of the country's economy.
3

Examples:

[ + to infinitive ] Will he have the backbone to tell them what he thinks?
4
your spine
5
the part of something that provides strength and support:

Examples:

Newcomers are now the backbone of this team.
6

Examples:

The delegates had enough backbone to reject the proposal.
7
the most important part of something:

Examples:

Small businesses are truly the backbone of the economy.
Imaginative ideas may form the backbone of your progress in the future.
8
the system of equipment and connections that allows communication at high speeds over long distances:

Examples:

The company runs the biggest internet backbone in the US, carrying about 37% of data traffic.

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