Search results for 'bone':

bone noun 1 the hard dense tissue that forms the skeleton of vertebrates, providing structural support for the body and serving as an attachment for muscles. 2 any of the components of the skeleton, made of this material. 3 (bones) the skeleton. 4 (chiefly one's bones) the body as the place where feelings or instincts come from • I feel in my bones something is wrong. 5 a substance similar to human bone, such as ivory and whalebone, etc. 6 (bones) the basic or essential part. verb (boned, boning) 1 to take bone out of (meat, etc). 2 to make (a piece of clothing, eg a corset or bodice) stiff by adding strips of bone or some other hard substance. boned adj 1 having bones. 2 said of meat, etc: having the bones removed. boneless adj lacking bones; having the bones removed. have a bone to pick with someone to have something to disagree or argue about with them. make no bones about something 1 to admit or allow it without any fuss, bother or hesitation. 2 to be quite willing to say or do it openly. near or close to the bone colloq said of speech, etc: 1 referring too closely to a subject which it would have been kind or tactful to avoid; upsettingly pointed or critical. 2 rather indecent or risqué. to the bone 1 thoroughly and completely • I was chilled to the bone. 2 to the minimum • cut my living expenses to the bone. work one's fingers to the bone to work very hard, until one is worn out.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon ban.