backbone bones
[ˈbækboʊn boʊnz]
nounpl: backbone bones
ossos da coluna vertebral / vértebras
1. The series of vertebrae that form the spine, the central skeletal structure that supports the body and protects the spinal cord
The backbone bones provide structural support for the entire body.
Os ossos da coluna vertebral fornecem suporte estrutural para todo o corpo.
2. In a figurative sense, the core support or fundamental basis of something
Education is the backbone bones of a strong society.
A educação é o alicerce de uma sociedade forte.
While 'backbone bones' is technically correct anatomically, it is rarely used as a compound term. In both Brazilian Portuguese and English, speakers prefer 'vertebrae,' 'spine,' 'spinal column,' or simply 'coluna vertebral' in Portuguese. The term is more commonly used in a figurative sense across both cultures to describe courage, determination, or foundational support.
Related Idioms & Phrases
have a backbone - ter coragem/determinação
lack backbone - não ter coragem
the backbone of something - o alicerce de algo
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →