🇬🇧
/ˈbæk.bən/
🇬🇧
/ˈbæk.bən/
🇺🇸
/ˈbæk.bən/
🇺🇸
/ˈbæk.bən/
Plural
backbones
Backbone literally refers to the chain of bones (vertebrae) running down the center of your back that supports your body and protects your spinal cord — but it's also widely used metaphorically to mean the essential, strong, central support system of anything: a person’s inner strength and moral courage, or an organization’s most vital structural or functional element.
The human backbone consists of 33 vertebrae that protect the spinal cord.
She showed real backbone by speaking up against unfair treatment at work.
Small businesses are the backbone of the local economy.
Without reliable internet infrastructure, the digital economy would collapse — it's the true backbone of modern communication.
He may seem quiet, but he has the backbone to make tough decisions when it matters.
back
Comes from Old English 'bæc', meaning 'the rear part of the body' or 'behind'. It denotes posterior position, support from behind, or foundational structure. Examples include back, backbone, background, backward, backpack.
bone
Comes from Old English 'bān', meaning 'hard tissue forming the skeleton'. It carries the core idea of structural rigidity, strength, and foundational support. Examples include bone, backbone, bonfire (originally 'bone-fire', though semantically shifted), ossify (from Latin 'os', same root).