holystone
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈhoʊliˌstoʊn/
KK: /ˈhoʊliˌstoʊn/
noun
Definition
A type of soft stone that is used to clean and smooth the wooden surfaces of a ship's deck.
Example
The crew used a holystone to scrub the deck until it shone.
Conversation
I found this old holystone in the garage yesterday.
Really? What do you plan to do with it?
I was thinking of using it to clean the deck of the boat.
That sounds like a great idea! It's perfect for scrubbing.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
sandstone
scour
scrub
Antonyms
smooth
polish
shine
transitive verb
Definition
To clean or polish a surface using a piece of soft sandstone.
Example
The sailor had to holystone the deck to keep it clean and smooth.
Tense Forms
Past: holystoned
Past Participle: holystoned
Conversation
Have you ever tried to holystone the deck of your boat?
No, I haven't! Is it hard to do?
Not really, it just takes some time to scrub it well.
Root Explanation
Holystone is formed from "holy" (from Old English *halig*, meaning sacred or consecrated) and "stone" (from Old English *stan*, meaning a solid mineral matter). The word refers to a stone that is considered sacred or used in religious contexts.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'sacred' ('holy') 'solid mineral' ('stone') — that's why holystone refers to a stone that is sacred.
Visually Confused Words
honeystone
polytone
oilstone