backbone

The line of connected bones down the middle of a person's or animal's back.

• Fish have a backbone.
• The fall damaged his backbone.
• Which animals have no backbone?

Similar words: spine, spinal column

Common phrases: broken backbone, animal backbone, backbone injury

The most important part that supports something and keeps it strong or working well.

• Volunteers are the backbone of this club.
• Railways once formed the backbone of trade.
• These cables provide the network's backbone.

How to use it: the backbone of something (Small farms are the backbone of the local economy.)

Similar words: mainstay, foundation, core

Common phrases: backbone of something, economic backbone, network backbone, transport backbone

The courage to defend yourself or do what you believe is right, even when it is difficult.

• Show some backbone!
• He lacked the backbone to say no.
• Our new leader has plenty of backbone.

How to use it: have the backbone to do something (She had the backbone to challenge the decision.)

Similar words: courage, resolve, strength

Opposites: cowardice

Common phrases: show some backbone, have some backbone, lack backbone, have backbone