backbones
Sources of courage
Backbones is the plural of backbone—the spine, the column of vertebrae running down the center of the back.
Figuratively, backbone means courage or resolve: Those senators lack the backbones to stand up to their party.
Backbone also refers to the main supporting structure of something: Small businesses are the backbones of local economies.
Column of vertebrae
- spinal columnSegmented skeletal axis
- vertebralOf the backbone
- discsFlat circular objects
- lumbarOf the lower spine
cervical · thoracic · sacrum · coccyx · spinal cord · posture · curvature · scoliosis
Fortitude facing danger
- strengthPower to exert force
- resolveFirmness of purpose
- determinationFirmness of purpose
- fortitudeEnduring courage under pain
grit · resilience · steadfastness · willpower · tenacity · character · mettle · spine
Primary source of support
- pillarUpright architectural support
- foundationUnderlying support structure
- coreCentral essential portion
- linchpinVital securing element
anchor · keystone · support · stalwart · cornerstone · bedrock · essential · driving force
Interconnected system
- main linePrimary route in network
- trunk linePrimary transport or communication route
- fiber opticLight-based data transmission
- bandwidthData transmission capacity
routing · connectivity · data center · server · transmission · broadband · internet · telecommunications
spine
Column of vertebrae
- spinal columnSegmented skeletal axis
- vertebralOf the backbone
- discsFlat circular objects
lumbar · cervical · thoracic · sacrum · coccyx · spinal cord · posture · curvature · scoliosis · chiropractic
courage
Fortitude facing danger
- strengthPower to exert force
- resolveFirmness of purpose
- determinationFirmness of purpose
fortitude · grit · resilience · steadfastness · willpower · tenacity · character · mettle · spine · guts
mainstay
Primary source of support
- pillarUpright architectural support
- foundationUnderlying support structure
- coreCentral essential portion
linchpin · anchor · keystone · support · stalwart · cornerstone · bedrock · essential · driving force · workhorse
network
Interconnected system
- main linePrimary route in network
- trunk linePrimary transport or communication route
- fiber opticLight-based data transmission
bandwidth · routing · connectivity · data center · server · transmission · broadband · internet · telecommunications · cabling
- connectorscable, cables, connector, connectors, wires
- telecom equipmentrouters, servers, modems, switches, antennas
- reliablesmainstays, staples, standbys, stalwarts, dependables
- loyal supportersdiehards, loyalists, devotees, die-hard fans, true believers
backbonescowardice
Absence of bravery
spinelessness · gutlessness · timidity · timidities · weakness
backbonesexoskeletons
External supportive body coverings
bonelessness · shells · soft bodies · carapaces · cartilage
backbonesperipheries
Outer boundary areas
fringes · nonessentials · margins · appendages · superfluities