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Browse the Dictionary:: A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; X; Y; Z; #

backbone

Entry Word:: backbone
Function:: noun

Text: 1 a column of bones supporting the trunk of a vertebrate animal<found the backbone of a fish lying on the beach>— see spine 2 the strength of mind that enables a person to endure pain or hardship<it takes backbone to stand up to the kind of suffering that some cancer patients must endure>— see fortitude

Learn more about "backbone" and related topics at Britannica.com

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