back´bone´less

back´bone´less
back|bone «BAK BOHN», noun.
1. the main bone along the middle of the back in humans and other mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes; spine; spinal column. The backbone consists of many small bones, called vertebrae, held together by ligaments.
2. anything like a backbone. The backbone or spine of a book is where the sections or signatures are gathered and glued together and attached to the covers or case. »

The backbones of nucleotide chains are separated by a constant distance throughout the length of the molecule (Isaac Asimov).

3. Figurative. the most important part; chief support; basis: »

Scientific research is the backbone of modern industrial progress.

SYNONYM(S): foundation, bedrock.
4. Figurative. strength of character; firmness: »

A coward lacks the backbone to stand up for his beliefs.

SYNONYM(S): fortitude, hardihood.
–back´bone´less, adjective.

Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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  • back|bone — «BAK BOHN», noun. 1. the main bone along the middle of the back in humans and other mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes; spine; spinal column. The backbone consists of many small bones, called vertebrae, held together by ligaments. 2 …   Useful english dictionary

  • less — less·est; less·ness; let·ter·less; li·cense·less; lid·less; life·less; life·less·ly; life·less·ness; light·less; light·less·ness; limb·less; lime·less; lim·it·less; line·less; lint·less; lip·less; list·less; list·less·ly; list·less·ness;… …   English syllables

  • bone — aitch·bone; back·bone·less; bone; bone·less; bone·let; bone·set; bone·shaker; bone·shave; bone·tail; bone·yard; de·bone; ice·bone; jam·bone; natch·bone; speal·bone; trom·bone; um·bone; wrist·bone; back·bone·less·ness; bone·headed; bone·shaw; …   English syllables

  • back — ahorse·back; apick·a·back; back; back·ber·end; back·bit·er; back·bone·less; back·coun·try; back·en; back·et; back·field; back·fill·er; back·fill·ing; back·fisch; back·friend; back·hand·ed; back·heel; back·less; back·lins; back·lot·ter; back·most; …   English syllables

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