Backbone

Pronunciation

 * , {{SAMPA|/"b{k%b@Un/}}

Noun

 * 1) 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.
 * 2) any fundamental support, structure, or infrastructure
 * 3) courage, fortitude, or strength

Synonyms

 * spine
 * spinal column
 * vertebral column

Thesaurus
advocate, alpenstock, arm, athletic supporter, back, backing, bandeau, bearer, bottom, bra, brace, bracer, bracket, brassiere, buttress, cane, carrier, cervix, chutzpah, corset, courage, crook, crutch, determination, firmness, fortitude, foundation garment, fulcrum, gameness, girdle, grit, guts, gutsiness, guttiness, guy, guywire, hardihood, heart, heart of oak, intestinal fortitude, jock, jockstrap, mainstay, maintainer, mast, mettle, mettlesomeness, moxie, neck, nerve, pillar, pith, pluck, pluckiness, prop, purposefulness, rachis, reinforce, reinforcement, reinforcer, resoluteness, resolution, resolve, rest, resting place, rigging, sand, shoulder, shroud, spinal column, spine, spirit, sprit, spunk, spunkiness, stability, staff, stamina, standing rigging, stave, stay, staying power, stick, stiffener, stout heart, strength, strengthener, sturdiness, support, supporter, sustainer, toughness, true grit, upholder, vertebrae, vertebral column, walking stick, will