backbone
noun uk/ˈbæk.bəʊn/ us/ˈbæk.boʊn/
(BONES)
[ C ]脊骨，脊椎
the line of bones down the centre of the back that provides support for the body
She stood with her backbone rigid. 她直挺挺地站着。
Synonym: spine (BONE)
(STRENGTH)
the backbone of something 主要成分;支柱;中枢
the most important part of something, providing support for everything else
Farming is the backbone of the country's economy. 农业是这个国家的经济支柱。
Church members are the backbone of society in this town.
Tourism is the backbone of our economy.
These registered nurses are the backbone of both private and public medical establishments.
Evidence from surveillance cameras forms the backbone of the prosecution's case.
[ U ]勇气;骨气;刚毅
courage and strength of character
[ + to infinitive ] Will he have the backbone to tell them what he thinks? 他有胆量把自己的想法告诉他们吗？