Bone (Noun): Definition, Grammar, Anatomical Types, and Usage

Bone is a countable noun denoting any of the rigid, calcified organs that constitute the vertebrate skeleton. It functions as a structural, protective, hematopoietic, and mineral-reservoir organ.

Grammatical Properties

• Part of speech: Noun (countable)
• Plural: bones
• Pronunciation: /boʊn/
• Derived forms: bony (adj.), bone (v. — to remove bones), boneless (adj.)

Anatomical Classification

Usage Examples

• Anatomical: "She fractured the bone in her forearm." (singular)
• Collective: "The skeleton consists of 206 bones." (plural)
• Metaphorical: "He cut the budget to the bone." (idiom = to the minimum)
• Culinary: "Ask the butcher to bone the chicken." (verb)

Common Collocations

• bone density, bone marrow, bone scan, bone graft, bone fracture
• make no bones about (speak frankly)
• have a bone to pick (have a grievance)

Whether in anatomy, idiom, or the kitchen, "bone" is a versatile and essential English noun.