bone
Pronunciation: (bōn), [key]
— n., v., adv. boned, bon•ing,
—n.
-
- 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.
- Let his bones rest in peace.
- the skeleton.
- a body:Let his bones rest in peace.
- Games Slang.dice.
- (cap.) SeeMr. 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.
- a domino.
- to think or feel intuitively: She felt in her bones that it was going to be a momentous day.
- 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.
- He makes no bones about his dislike of modern music.
- 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.
- The government cut social service programs 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.
—v.t.
- to remove the bones from: to bone a turkey.
- to put whalebone or another stiffener into (clothing).
- to put bone meal into (feed, fertilizer, etc.).
- to study intensely; cram: We're going to have to bone up for the exam.
—adv.
- completely; absolutely: bone tired.
Bône
Pronunciation: (bōn), [key]
— n.
- former name of
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.