Meaning & Definition of word "Bone"

Bone

/boʊn/

noun:

  • 1. A rigid organ that forms part of the vertebrate skeleton in humans and other mammals.
    • Example: The doctor took an X-ray to check if there were any fractures in the bone.
  • 2. A piece of hard, whitish tissue making up the skeleton in humans and other vertebrates.
    • Example: Dogs love to chew on a bone.
  • 3. One of the individual pieces of the skeleton of an animal or human.
    • Example: He shattered several bones in his leg during the accident.
  • 4. The hard structure that gives strength and support to the body.
    • Example: Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones.

verb:

  • 1. To remove the bones from (meat or fish).
    • Example: Please bone the fish before cooking it.

Etymology

Old English bān, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch been and German Bein.

Common Phrases and Expressions

bone of contention:

A subject of dispute or disagreement.

to break a bone:

To suffer an injury causing a fracture.

to have a bone to pick:

To have a disagreement or complaint to discuss.

Related Words

bone marrow:

The soft tissue inside bones where blood cells are produced.

boneless:

Without bones; often refers to meat prepared in such a way.

bonehead:

A silly or stupid person.

Slang Meanings of bone

Meaning: To bone up

Example Sentence: She decided to bone up on her math skills before the exam.

Meaning: Bone dry

Example Sentence: The river was bone dry after the summer drought.