backbone — ONAD

backbone /ˈbakˌbōn, ˈbækˌboʊn

▸ noun

1 the series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the pelvis; the spine:

prickles of sweat broke out along her backbone

figurative the great Pennine range is the backbone of England.

▪ US the spine of a book.

▪ Biochemistry the main chain of a polymeric molecule.

2 the chief support of a system or organization; the mainstay:

these firms are the backbone of our industrial sector.

▪ strength of character; firmness:

he has the backbone to see us through this difficulty.

3 Computing & Telecommunications a high-speed, high-capacity digital connection which forms the axis of a local or wide area network.