Bones


Anatomy, Zoology.

one of the structures composing the skeleton of a vertebrate.
the hard connective tissue forming the substance of the skeleton of most vertebrates, composed of a collagen-rich organic matrix impregnated with calcium, phosphate, and other minerals.

such a structure from an edible animal, usually with meat adhering to it, as an article of food:
Pea soup should be made with a ham bone.
any of various similarly hard or structural animal substances, as ivory or whalebone.
something made of or resembling such a substance.
a small concession, intended to pacify or quiet; a conciliatory bribe or gift:
The administration threw the student protesters a couple of bones, but refused to make any basic changes in the curriculum or requirements.
bones.

the skeleton.
a body:
Let his bones rest in peace.
Games Slang. dice.
(initial capital letter) Mr. Bones.
a simple rhythm instrument consisting of two sometimes curved bars or short strips of bone, ivory, wood, or the like, held between the fingers of one hand and clacked together.

the color of bone; ivory or off-white.
a flat strip of whalebone or other material for stiffening corsets, petticoats, etc.; stay.
Games Slang. a domino.
to remove the bones from:
to bone a turkey.
to put whalebone or another stiffener into (clothing).
Agriculture. to put bone meal into (feed, fertilizer, etc.).
completely; absolutely:
bone tired.
bone up, Informal. to study intensely; cram:
We’re going to have to bone up for the exam.
feel in one’s bones, to think or feel intuitively:
She felt in her bones that it was going to be a momentous day.
have a bone to pick with someone, to have cause to disagree or argue with someone:
The teacher had a bone to pick with him because his homework paper was identical with his neighbor’s.
make no bones about,

to deal with in a direct manner; act or speak openly:
He makes no bones about his dislike of modern music.
to have no fear of or objection to.

to the bone,

to the essentials; to the minimum:
The government cut social service programs to the bone.
to an extreme degree; thoroughly:
chilled to the bone.

a seaport in NE Algeria: site of Hippo Regius.
Contemporary Examples

Never Mind Obamacare. Worry About the Debt Ceiling. William L. McComb September 30, 2013
The First Amendment Works, But Does it Work Blue? Kevin Bleyer July 18, 2014
The Art of the Pig Blake Gopnik October 30, 2011
Breast Cancer Breakthrough? Gail Sheehy December 8, 2010
10 Juicy Bits from Christine O’Donnell’s ‘Troublemaker’ David Sessions August 11, 2011

Historical Examples

Britain in the Middle Ages Florence L. Bowman
The Spenders Harry Leon Wilson
The Salamander Owen Johnson
Explorations in Australia John Forrest
The Fourth R George Oliver Smith

noun
any of the various structures that make up the skeleton in most vertebrates
the porous rigid tissue of which these parts are made, consisting of a matrix of collagen and inorganic salts, esp calcium phosphate, interspersed with canals and small holes related adjectives osseous osteal
something consisting of bone or a bonelike substance
(pl) the human skeleton or body: they laid his bones to rest, come and rest your bones
a thin strip of whalebone, light metal, plastic, etc, used to stiffen corsets and brassieres
(pl) the essentials (esp in the phrase the bare bones): to explain the bones of a situation
(pl) dice
(pl) an informal nickname for a doctor
close to the bone, near the bone

risqué or indecent: his jokes are rather close to the bone
in poverty; destitute

feel in one’s bones, to have an intuition of
have a bone to pick, to have grounds for a quarrel
make no bones about

to be direct and candid about
to have no scruples about

(often foll by at) (Austral) point the bone

to wish bad luck (on)
to threaten to bring about the downfall (of)

verb (mainly transitive)
to remove the bones from (meat for cooking, etc)
to stiffen (a corset, etc) by inserting bones
to fertilize with bone meal
(taboo, slang) to have sexual intercourse with
(Brit) a slang word for steal
noun
a former name of Annaba
noun
a port in NE Algeria: site of the Roman city of Hippo Regius. Pop: 382 000 (2005 est) Former name Bône
n.
n.
v.

bone
(bōn)

Dice •Chaucer referred to dice as ”bitched bones” about 1390 (1880s+)
Two sticks or bones held between the fingers and used to make a clacking rhythm •Best known fr their use in post–Civil War minstrel shows, where they were wielded by a character named Mr Bones (late 1500s+)
Dollars; money (1900s+)

Money; cash (1970s+ Teenagers)
A dollar, esp a silver dollar (1860s+)
The erect penis (mid-1800s+)

bone of contention
bone to pick, have a
bone up

Read Also:

  • Bones-of-digits

    bones of digits

  • Bonfire

    a large fire built in the open air, for warmth, entertainment, or celebration, to burn leaves, garbage, etc., or as a signal. any fire built in the open. Contemporary Examples History’s Greatest Book Burners Judith Miller September 6, 2010 Letterman Suspect’s Novel Defense Lloyd Grove November 9, 2009 This Week’s Hot Reads: May 28, 2013 […]

  • Bong

    a dull, resonant sound, as of a large bell. to produce this sound: The church bell bonged promptly at noon. a type of hookah or water pipe for smoking marijuana or other drugs. Contemporary Examples SNL’s Kim Kardashian Konundrum: Why Nasim Pedrad’s Exit Hurts So Much Jason Lynch September 25, 2014 ‘Silicon Valley’ and the […]

  • Bonged-out

    bonged-out

  • Bongo

    a reddish-brown antelope, Taurotragus eurycerus, of the forests of tropical Africa, having white stripes and large, spirally twisted horns. one of a pair of small tuned drums, played by beating with the fingers. Contemporary Examples Tavi Gevinson: From Teen Fashion Queen to Broadway Star Arabelle Sicardi July 11, 2014 Historical Examples Celebrated Women Travellers of […]


Disclaimer: Bones definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.