backbone (
http://definr.com/backbone)
n 1: a central cohesive source of support and stability: "faith
is his anchor"; "he is the linchpin of this firm" [syn:
anchor,
mainstay,
linchpin,
lynchpin]
2: (informal) fortitude and determination; "he didn't have the
guts to try it" [syn:
grit,
guts,
moxie,
sand,
gumption]
3: the series of vertebrae forming the axis of the skeleton and
protecting the spinal cord; "the fall broke his back"
[syn:
spinal column,
vertebral column,
spine,
back,
rachis]
4: a computer network that connects other computer networks