Definition

A flexible, horn-like material found in the mouths of certain whales, used to filter food from water. It is often used to make various items.

Example

The artist crafted a beautiful sculpture from whalebone.

Conversation

Have you ever seen an item made from whalebone?

No, I haven't! What does it look like?

It's quite unique; they often make beautiful art pieces with whalebone.

That sounds fascinating! I'd love to see one.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Whalebone is formed from "whale" (from Old English *hwæl*, meaning a large marine mammal) and "bone" (from Old English *ban*, meaning the hard structure that makes up the skeleton of vertebrates). The word "whalebone" refers to the hard, flexible material derived from the baleen plates of certain whales, used historically in various products.

Memory Tip

Think of a large marine mammal ('whale') and its hard structure ('bone') — that's why whalebone refers to the material from whales.

Visually Confused Words