bones

bones · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The hard parts of the skeleton of a vertebrate.

  2. 2.

    The skeletal remains of a dead person or animal.

  3. 3.

    The basic framework or structure of something.

  4. 4.

    A pair of small concave pieces of bone or ivory clicked together as a percussion instrument.

  5. 5.

    Removes bones from meat or fish.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    make no bones about — to speak openly without hesitation
  • •
    skin and bones — very thin
  • •
    bag of bones — an extremely thin person or animal
  • •
    bare bones — the basic essentials

Related words

See also: bone, remains, skeleton
Synonyms: remains, skeleton

Etymology

Plural of bone, from Old English ban.