backbone

US /ˈbæk.boʊn/
UK /ˈbæk.boʊn/
"backbone" picture
1.

coluna vertebral, espinha dorsal

the series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the pelvis, forming the main support of the body

:
The human backbone is made up of 33 vertebrae.
A coluna vertebral humana é composta por 33 vértebras.
He injured his backbone in the accident.
Ele machucou a coluna vertebral no acidente.
2.

espinha dorsal, firmeza, caráter

strength of character; firmness

:
He showed real backbone in standing up to the bullies.
Ele mostrou verdadeira espinha dorsal ao enfrentar os valentões.
The team needs a leader with more backbone.
A equipe precisa de um líder com mais espinha dorsal.
3.

espinha dorsal, alicerce, base

the most important part of a system or organization, providing support for the whole

:
Small businesses are the backbone of the economy.
Pequenas empresas são a espinha dorsal da economia.
The internet's high-speed fiber optic cables form its main backbone.
Os cabos de fibra óptica de alta velocidade da internet formam sua principal espinha dorsal.