spinal column
nounUK /ˈspaɪ.nəl ˈkɒl.əm/
US /ˈspaɪ.nəl ˈkɑː.ləm/
The line of bones down the middle of your back that holds you up.
The spinal column protects the nerves that run from your brain to the rest of your body.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The main support or central structure of something.
Small businesses are the spinal column of the local economy.
3. The series of vertebrae in an animal's body that encloses the spinal cord.
The fossil showed a complete spinal column from neck to tail.
4. A source of strength or firmness of character.
Her honesty was the spinal column of the whole team.