backs
|backs|
/bæks/
(back)
support or move backward
Etymology
'back' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'bæc', where Proto-Germanic '*bakam' meant 'back' or 'rear'.
'back' changed from Proto-Germanic '*bakam' to Old English 'bæc' and eventually became the modern English word 'back'.
Initially, it meant 'the rear of the body' or 'the rear part of something'; over time it kept that core sense and extended metaphorically to notions of support and positions (e.g., 'backs' as players or supporters).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of back: the rear part of the human body or animal (the area from the neck to the lower spine).
They rubbed their sore backs after the long hike.
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Noun 2
plural of back: the rear surface or side of an object (e.g., the backs of chairs, books).
The backs of the chairs were carved with flowers.
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Noun 3
plural of back: players in certain team sports who play in defensive or rear positions (e.g., rugby backs, football backs).
The team's backs scored three tries in the match.
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Verb 1
third-person singular present of 'back': to support, endorse, or give help (often financially or publicly).
The company backs the new research project.
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Last updated: 2025/11/10 00:41