Bone Meaning
Bone Definition & Usage
One of the hard, calcified structures that make up the skeleton of vertebrates.
Examples
- "The doctor took an X-ray to check if any bones were broken."
- "He fractured a bone in his leg while playing soccer."
- "The archaeologists uncovered ancient bones in the excavation site."
- "Bone density tends to decrease with age, leading to conditions like osteoporosis."
- "I heard a crack, and I knew immediately that I had broken a bone."
The hard, inedible part of an animal's body that remains after the edible flesh is removed, often used in cooking.
Examples
- "The soup simmered for hours, extracting all the flavors from the bones."
- "Don't throw away those chicken bones—they can be used to make stock."
- "He gnawed on the bone after finishing the meat."
- "She served the fish fillets with the bones removed to make it easier to eat."
- "The recipe calls for beef bones to create a rich broth."
A central, fundamental part or the backbone of something.
Examples
- "The bone of the matter is whether or not we can afford the project."
- "Her determination was the bone of the success she achieved."
- "His knowledge of the subject is the bone of his teaching."
- "The bone of the issue is the lack of funding for the initiative."
- "Family values are the bone of our community."
To remove bones from fish or meat, typically before serving.
Examples
- "She carefully boned the fish before preparing it for dinner."
- "The chef asked us to bone the chicken before roasting it."
- "He spent the afternoon boning the fish for the feast."
- "Make sure to bone the salmon before you grill it."
- "She learned how to bone a duck from the expert cook."
'To have a bone to pick' means to have a complaint or disagreement with someone.
Examples
- "I have a bone to pick with you about the way you handled the meeting."
- "She came to the office because she had a bone to pick with the manager."
- "Do you have a bone to pick with me, or can we move forward?"
- "They had a bone to pick with the new policy changes."
- "He seemed like he had a bone to pick with everyone in the room."
Cultural Context
Bones are vital to many cultures both biologically and symbolically. In many traditions, bones represent life, death, and ancestors. In medicine, the study of bones (orthopedics) is crucial for understanding human health. In cuisine, bones are prized for their flavoring qualities in stocks and broths, with bone marrow also being considered a delicacy in various cultures.
The Bone of the Matter
Story
The Bone of the Matter
A small coastal town had been struggling for years with its main source of income: fishing. The once-flourishing fishery was now barely hanging on, and the residents were beginning to lose hope. It was in the midst of this struggle that two fishermen, Alex and Jake, decided to take a different approach. Jake, an experienced fisherman, knew that the key to success was in the bones—both literally and figuratively. 'You see, the fish bones hold the flavor,' he told Alex one day while they were cleaning their catch. 'If we use the bones right, we can make a broth so rich, people will come from miles away just for a taste.' Alex, although skeptical, agreed to try it out. As weeks passed, the town slowly began to change. The broth, made from the bones of their daily catch, became a local delicacy. People flocked to the town, eager to try the famous fish soup. Even the town's restaurant owners started purchasing bones to create their own versions. Soon, the town's economy was thriving again, but it wasn't just the fish that brought people in; it was the way the bones had brought everyone together. But things weren’t always so simple. One evening, after a town meeting, Alex found himself standing outside the local tavern, fuming. 'I've got a bone to pick with you,' he said to Jake, his voice rising. 'You told me this was going to save the town, but I don't see any real changes yet.' Jake smiled, placing a hand on Alex's shoulder. 'The bone of the matter is this,' he said calmly. 'It's not the fish or the bones that will save us. It's how we use them, how we work together. We need to change our mindset, and then, everything else will follow.' With renewed determination, Alex and Jake worked together to not only perfect their fish broth but also to revitalize the town’s fishing practices. The bones had become a symbol of resilience and unity, the true 'bone' of the town's recovery. As the seasons passed, the little town, once on the brink of economic ruin, became a bustling hub for visitors, all thanks to the humble fish bones that had started it all.
Related Words
