See Also: backbone(medicine)
Backbone(health)
backbone(dictionary)
backbone(dictionary)

backbone (iou)



backbone noun. ME.
[from BACK noun1 + BONE noun.]
The vertebral column, the spine. ME.
to the backbone fig. completely, through and through.
transf. A central support or axis; the chief substantial part; N. Amer. the spine of a book. L17.
fig. The main element or support; the mainstay. M19.
fig. Strength of character, stability of purpose, firmness. M19.
backboned adjective having a backbone M19.
backboneless adjective M19.