backbone
UK[ˈbækbəʊn]US[ˈbækboʊn]
n
the row of small bones that are connected together down the middle of the back
n
the most important part of a system, organization, plan, etc.
n
the strength of character needed to do something difficult
Morpheme Breakdown
back
bone
back
bone
Etymology
the word 'backbone' is a transparent compound formed from two old english elements, 'bæc' (back) and 'bān' (bone), directly describing the anatomical spine. this literal sense, dating to the late 14th century, provided a powerful metaphor for a central supporting structure in any system, which emerged by the mid-17th century. the further abstract sense denoting firmness of character, as in 'moral backbone,' developed in the 19th century, completing the evolution from a concrete physical descriptor to a symbol of central support and inner strength.
Analysis
Structure: back + bone
back: from old english 'bæc', meaning the rear part of the human body. it functions as a modifier specifying location.
bone: from old english 'bān', meaning the hard material forming the skeleton. it functions as the core noun element.
Examples
she stood up straight, her backbone aligned against the wall.
agriculture forms the backbone of the country's economy.
it takes backbone to stand up to a bully.