backbone

== English == === Alternative forms === back bone === Etymology === From Middle English bakbon, bakebon, bac-bon; equivalent to back +‎ bone. Compare the semantically analogous English ridgebone. === Pronunciation === (UK) IPA(key): /ˈbækˌbəʊn/ (US) IPA(key): /ˈbækˌboʊn/ Rhymes: -ækbəʊn, -ækboʊn === Noun === backbone (countable and uncountable, plural backbones) (countable) The series of vertebrae, separated by disks, that encloses and protects the spinal cord, and runs down the middle of the back in vertebrate animals. (countable, figuratively) Any fundamental support, structure, or infrastructure. (uncountable, figuratively) Courage, fortitude, or strength. ==== Synonyms ==== spine spinal column vertebral column See also Thesaurus:backbone ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ====