Lie touching backbone (5)
I believe the answer is:
fibre
'backbone' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both human attributes as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?
'lie touching' is the wordplay.
'lie' becomes 'fib' (fib is a kind of lie).
'touching' becomes 're' (re can mean touching or regarding).
'fib'+'re'='FIBRE'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for fibre that I've seen before include "(Material composed of) thread(s)" , "Basis of yarn" , "Texture - strength of character" , "Long fine thread" , "Threadlike substance" .)