bone
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /boʊn/
KK: /boʊn/
noun
Definition
A hard structure that makes up the skeleton of vertebrate animals, providing support and protection for the body.
Example
The doctor explained that the fracture was in one of the bones in her arm.
Conversation
Did you see that dog chewing on a bone at the park yesterday?
Yeah, it looked so happy with it!
I wonder what kind of bone it was — it was huge!
Probably from a big meal; dogs love those big ones.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
skeleton
ossicle
framework
Antonyms
softness
flesh
tissue
transitive verb
Definition
To remove the bones from something or to stiffen a piece of clothing using stays.
Example
She had to bone the fish before cooking it.
Tense Forms
Past: boned
Past Participle: boned
Conversation
Did you bone the fish before cooking it?
Yeah, I made sure to remove all the bones first.
That's smart; I always forget to bone it and end up with a mess.
Root Explanation
The word 'bone' originates from Old English 'ban', meaning the hard structure that forms the skeleton of vertebrates. It refers specifically to the rigid connective tissue that supports and shapes the body.
Memory Tip
Think of the Old English word 'ban' which directly refers to the hard structure in our bodies — this helps you remember that 'bone' is that hard part of our skeleton.
Visually Confused Words
borne
boone
bonze
bonce
one
bon
unbone
umbone