The most popular online dictionary and thesaurus for learners of English
backbone noun ( CENTRAL SUPPORT )
/ˈbæk.bəʊn/
/-boʊn/ n Definition
[C] the line of bones down the centre of the back that provides support for the body; the spine
She stood with her backbone rigid.
the backbone of sth
the most important part of something, providing support for everything else
Farming and cattle-raising are the backbone of the country's economy.
(Definition of backbone noun (CENTRAL SUPPORT) from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)
Browse the Dictionary
- backache noun
- backbench noun
- backbencher noun
- backbiting noun
- backboard noun
- backbone noun (CENTRAL SUPPORT)
- backbone noun (STRENGTH)
- backbreaking adjective
- backchat noun
- backcomb verb
- backdate verb
Our dictionaries
Browse the Thesaurus
More Results for “backbone”
Word of the Day
Blog
New Words
Find words and meanings that have just started to be used in English, and let us know what you think of them.
