Anatomy, Zoology .

one of the structures composing the skeleton of a vertebrate.

the hard connective tissue forming the substance of the skeleton of most vertebrates, composed of a collagen-rich organic matrix impregnated with calcium, phosphate, and other minerals.

such a structure from an edible animal, usually with meat adhering to it, as an article of food

Pea soup should be made with a ham bone.

any of various similarly hard or structural animal substances, as ivory or whalebone.

something made of or resembling such a substance.

a small concession, intended to pacify or quiet; a conciliatory bribe or gift

The administration threw the student protesters a couple of bones, but refused to make any basic changes in the curriculum or requirements.

bones,

the skeleton.

a body

Let his bones rest in peace.

Games Slang . dice.

( initial capital letter ) Mr. Bones.

a simple rhythm instrument consisting of two sometimes curved bars or short strips of bone, ivory, wood, or the like, held between the fingers of one hand and clacked together.

the color of bone; ivory or off-white.

a flat strip of whalebone or other material for stiffening corsets, petticoats, etc.; stay.

Games Slang . a domino.

to remove the bones from

to bone a turkey.

to put whalebone or another stiffener into (clothing).

Agriculture . to put bone meal into (feed, fertilizer, etc.).

completely; absolutely

bone tired.

bone up

Informal . to study intensely; cram

We're going to have to bone up for the exam.

feel in one's bones

to think or feel intuitively

She felt in her bones that it was going to be a momentous day.

have a bone to pick with someone

to have cause to disagree or argue with someone

The teacher had a bone to pick with him because his homework paper was identical with his neighbor's.

make no bones about

to deal with in a direct manner; act or speak openly

He makes no bones about his dislike of modern music.

to have no fear of or objection to.

to the bone

to the essentials; to the minimum

The government cut social service programs to the bone.

to an extreme degree; thoroughly

chilled to the bone.