01 n. The column of bones in the back which sustains and gives firmness to the frame; the spine; the vertebral or spinal column.
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1.
The column of bones in the back which sustains and gives firmness to the frame; the spine; the vertebral or spinal column.
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2.
Anything like , or serving the purpose of, a backbone.“The lofty mountains on the north side compose the granitic axis, or backbone of the country.” — Darwin.“We have now come to the backbone of our subject.” — Earle.
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3.
Firmness; moral principle; steadfastness.“Shelley's thought never had any backbone.” — Shairp.
Phrases & compounds
To the backbone —
through and through; thoroughly; entirely.