Backbone (Noun)
Meaning 1
The part of a network that connects other networks together; "the backbone is the part of a communication network that carries the heaviest traffic".
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The new fiber optic backbone will greatly improve internet speeds across the country.
- The university's backbone network connects all the departmental networks, allowing for seamless communication and data transfer.
- A reliable backbone is essential for any large-scale communication network to function efficiently.
- The company is investing heavily in upgrading its backbone infrastructure to meet growing demands.
- The internet backbone that spans the continent consists of high-speed cables and advanced routers.
Hypernyms
Meaning 2
The part of a book's cover that encloses the inner side of the book's pages and that faces outward when the book is shelved; "the title and author were printed on the spine of the book".
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The publisher carefully designed the backbone of the novel to feature a striking image that would attract readers.
- A common problem in older books is a cracked or damaged backbone that exposes the pages to air and dust.
- The librarian took care to handle the rare book by the edges, rather than touching the sensitive backbone.
- When replacing the cover of a hardcover book, it's crucial to reinforce the backbone to ensure the pages remain secure.
- The leather-bound edition featured an intricate gold-embossed pattern along its backbone, giving it a luxurious appearance.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Meaning 3
Fortitude and determination; "he didn't have the guts to try it".
Classification
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects.
Examples
- She showed great backbone by standing up to her bully and refusing to back down.
- The Everest climber's backbone and determination pushed her to reach the summit despite the extreme weather conditions.
- His backbone as a leader inspired confidence in his teammates during the most challenging projects.
- Lacking backbone, he was unable to assert himself in the meeting and his ideas were ignored.
- It took a lot of backbone for her to leave her comfort zone and start a new business from scratch.
Synonyms
Meaning 4
A central cohesive source of support and stability; "faith is his anchor"; "the keystone of campaign reform was the ban on soft money"; "he is the linchpin of this firm".
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- Her family has been the backbone of her life through all the struggles she faced.
- He is the backbone that holds the team together with his leadership.
- Education is the backbone of any country's economic development.
- The strong IT sector forms the backbone of the city's economy, and has been instrumental in its growth.
- Her strong willpower was the backbone that kept her going through the rigorous training process.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Meaning 5
The series of vertebrae forming the axis of the skeleton and protecting the spinal cord; "the fall broke his back".
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- After the accident, the doctor ordered an MRI to check for any damage to her backbone.
- A severe fall from the ladder broke his backbone, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down.
- The patient required surgery to repair a herniated disc in his backbone that was causing chronic pain.
- The research team made groundbreaking discoveries about the human backbone that will help develop new treatments for spinal cord injuries.
- Years of heavy lifting took a toll on his backbone, eventually leading to a debilitating back condition.