1. 1. The dense, semirigid, porous, calcified connective tissue forming the major portion of the skeleton of most vertebrates. It consists of a dense organic matrix and an inorganic, mineral component.
   2. Any of numerous anatomically distinct structures making up the skeleton of a vertebrate animal. There are more than 200 different bones in the human body.
   3. A piece of bone.
2. bones
   1. The skeleton.
   2. The body.
   3. Mortal remains.
3. An animal structure or material, such as ivory, resembling bone.
4. Something made of bone or of material resembling bone, especially:
   1. A piece of whalebone or similar material used as a corset stay.
   2. bones Informal. Dice.
5. bones The fundamental plan or design, as of the plot of a book.
6. 1. bones Flat clappers made of bone or wood originally used by the end man in a minstrel show.
   2. Bones (used with a sing. verb) The end man in a minstrel show.

1. To remove the bones from.
2. To stiffen (a piece of clothing) with stays, as of whalebone.

bone up

1. Informal. To study intensely, usually at the last minute: boned up for the final exam.

bone of contention

1. The subject of a dispute.

1. Grounds for a complaint or dispute.

[Middle English bon, from Old English bān.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.