English Explanatory Dictionary

nickelback

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A fifth defensive back (in addition to two cornerbacks and two safeties) who is deployed for additional pass coverage.
noun
  1. Alternative form of Nickelback.
noun
  1. A peptide with a nitrogen backbone containing two nickel atoms and having 13 amino acids.

Pronunciation

/ˈnɪkəlbæk/

Word forms

nickelback nickelbacks nickel back

Etymology

Blend of nickel + cornerback. Modelled on quarterback: both the quarter (“25 cents”) and the nickel (“5 cents”) are American coins, though quarterback was not named for the coin. Coined due to the nickelback's role as the fifth defensive back on the field, thus the connection to the 5-cent nickel.

Related words

dimeback quarterback
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