The series of vertebrae forming the axis of the skeleton and protecting the spinal cord.

synonyms: back, backbone, rachis, spinal column, spine.

Roget 222: centrality, centricalness^†, center; middle etc. 68; focus etc. 74.    core, kernel; nucleus, nucleolus; heart, pole axis, bull's eye; nave, navel; umbilicus, backbone, marrow, pith; vertebra, vertebral column; hotbed; concentration etc. (convergence) 290; centralization; symmetry.    center of gravity, center of pressure, center of percussion, center of oscillation, center of buoyancy &c.; metacenter^†.    ... show more

Dutch: ruggegraat, ruggengraat, ruggestreng, wervelkolom
Polish: kręgosłup, stos pacierzowy