broken-backed

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Word: Broken-backed

Part of Speech: Adjective

Basic Definition: The term "broken-backed" is used to describe something that is weakened or damaged in its structure, particularly in relation to ships and animals.

Usage Instructions

• When to use: You can use "broken-backed" to describe a ship that is sagging in the middle, or a horse that has a serious back injury. It can also refer to a book that is damaged or whose spine is broken.

Examples:

1. Ship: "The old ship was broken-backed after years at sea, sagging in the middle and unable to sail."
2. Horse: "The vet examined the broken-backed horse and explained that it would require special care."
3. Book: "She carefully placed the broken-backed book on the shelf, noting how the spine was split."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "broken-backed" can describe not only literal physical damage but also metaphorical situations where something is unstable or compromised in its effectiveness or integrity.

Word Variants:

• Broken back (noun): Refers to the condition of having a damaged spine.
• Back-breaking (adjective): Refers to something that is extremely tiring or demanding.

Different Meanings:

• In literature: A "broken-backed book" typically refers to a book that has been read many times, resulting in a damaged spine. This can also imply that the book has a lot of valuable information or stories despite its physical condition.

Synonyms:

• Damaged
• Weakened
• Sagging
• Deformed

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "broken-backed," the concept can relate to idioms about being "down and out" or "on the ropes," which convey a sense of being in a weakened or vulnerable state.

Conclusion:

"Broken-backed" is a descriptive term that can apply to various situations involving physical or metaphorical weakness.

Academic

Adjective

1. (of a ship) so weakened as to sag at each end
2. (of a horse) having bones of the back united by a bony growth
3. having the spine damaged
   • a broken-backed book
   • a broken-backed old horse

Synonyms

• hogged