backbone definition | Dictionary.com

back⋅bone

[bak-bohn]

–noun

1.	Anatomy. the spinal column; spine.

2.	strength of character; resolution.

3.	something resembling a backbone in appearance, position, or function.

4.	Bookbinding. a back or bound edge of a book; spine.

5.	Nautical. a rope running along the middle of an awning, as a reinforcement and as an object to which a supporting bridle or crowfoot may be attached.

6.	Naval Architecture. the central fore-and-aft assembly of the keel and keelson, giving longitudinal strength to the bottom of a vessel.

Origin:
1250–1300; ME bacbon. See back ¹ , bone¹

Related forms:

backboned, adjective

backboneless, adjective

Synonyms:
2. firmness, decision, fortitude.

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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back·bone (bāk'bōn')

The vertebrate spine or spinal column.
Something, such as the keel of a ship, that resembles a backbone.
A main support or major sustaining factor: the backbone of a thesis.
Geology
1. A ridge forming the principal axis of a mountain.
2. The principal mountain ridge, range, or system of a region.
Chemistry The main chain of atoms in a polymer.
Strength of character; determination: displayed grit and backbone in facing adversity.

back'boned' adj.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Backbone

Back"bone"\, n. [2d back,n.+ bone. ]

1. The column of bones in the back which sustains and gives firmness to the frame; the spine; the vertebral or spinal column.

2. Anything like, or serving the purpose of, a backbone.

The lofty mountains on the north side compose the granitic axis, or backbone of the country. --Darwin.

We have now come to the backbone of our subject. --Earle.

3. Firmness; moral principle; steadfastness.

Shelley's thought never had any backbone. --Shairp.

To the backbone, through and through; thoroughly; entirely. "Staunch to the backbone." --Lord Lytton.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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Language Translation for : backbone

Spanish: espina dorsal,

German: das Rückgrat,

Japanese: 背骨

More Translations »

backbone

The primary line(s) that connects the slower, shorter cable portions of a communications network together. (See last mile.) In larger networks, such as the Internet, a backbone consists of high-capacity, high-speed lines that can extend over great distances.

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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backbone

"spine," c.1300, from back + bone. Fig. sense of "strength of character" is attested from 1843.

Main Entry: back·bone
Pronunciation: -'bOn, -"bOn
Function: noun
1 : SPINALCOLUMN, SPINE
2 : the longest chain of atoms or groups of atoms in a usually long molecule (as apolymer or protein)

backbone back·bone (bāk'bōn')
n.
See spinal column.

backbone (bāk'bōn') Pronunciation Key
See vertebral column.

backbone networking
The top level in a hierarchical network. Stub networks and transit networks which connect to the same backbone are guaranteed to be interconnected.
See also: Internet backbone.
(1998-07-02)

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