Bone

Definition

Bone is used as a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to the hard, calcified structure that makes up the skeleton of vertebrates. As a verb, it means to remove the bones from a piece of meat or fish, or to study intensively ("bone up on").

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /boʊn/
• Respelling: BOHN

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /bəʊn/
• Respelling: BOHN

Etymology

The word "bone" originates from Old English "bān," meaning "bone" or "leg." It is related to Old Norse "bein" and Old Frisian "ben," all of which refer to the skeletal structure of animals and humans. Its use has remained consistent in English since the 9th century.

Derivatives

• Boneless (adjective)
• Bonehead (noun, informal)
• Bone marrow (noun)
• Backbone (noun)
• Bone-chilling (adjective)

Synonyms

• Skeletal structure
• Ossature
• Framework

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "bone" is commonly used to describe both the anatomical structures within living organisms and objects or materials that resemble these structures. For example, "She fractured a bone in her hand," or "They use fish bones to make broth."

Related Terms

• Skeleton: The framework of bones that supports the body of an animal.
• Marrow: The soft tissue inside bones that produces blood cells.
• Cartilage: A flexible connective tissue found in joints between bones.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A hard, calcified structure in the body of vertebrates: Refers to the rigid framework of the skeleton.
  • Example: "The femur is the longest bone in the human body."
• The skeletal framework of an organism: Used to describe the structure that supports the body of vertebrate animals.
  • Example: "X-rays can show any damage to the bones."

Verb

• To remove the bones from meat or fish: Describes the process of extracting bones from food items.
  • Example: "The chef expertly boned the fish."
• To study intensively (informal): Refers to the act of studying thoroughly, especially in preparation for a test.
  • Example: "She had to bone up on her chemistry for the final exam."