Main Entry: ¹back

Pronunciation: \ˈbak\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English bæc; akin to Old High German bah back, Old Norse bak

Date: before 12th century

1 a (1) : the rear part of the human body especially from the neck to the end of the spine (2) : the body considered as the wearer of clothes (3) : capacity for labor, effort, or endurance (4) : the back considered as the seat of one's awareness of duty or failings <get off my back> (5) : the back considered as an area of vulnerability <the police officer's partner always watches his back> b : the part of a lower animal (as a quadruped) corresponding to the human back c : spinal column d : spine 1c
2 a : the side or surface opposite the front or face : the rear part; also : the farther or reverse side b : something at or on the back for support <back of a chair> c : a place away from the front <sat in back>
3 : a position in some games (as football or soccer) behind the front line of players; also : a player in this position

— backed \ˈbakt\ adjective

— back·less \ˈbak-ləs\ adjective

— back of one's hand or back of the hand : a show of contempt

— back of one's mind : the remote part of one's mind where thoughts and memories are stored to be drawn on

— behind one's back : without one's knowledge : in secret

— in back of : behind