bones
n.-
1 skeletal parts (n.) A1 Beginner Medicinethe hard, white pieces that make up the skeleton inside a person or animal.
the calcified connective tissue forming the skeleton of vertebrates.
ExampleThe dog buried its bones in the garden behind the house.
ExampleArchaeologists discovered the fossilised bones of a prehistoric creature buried deep within the limestone cave system.
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2 basic structure (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Informalthe most important or basic parts of something, like a plan or a house.
the essential framework, foundation, or core elements of a project, argument, or physical structure.
ExampleThe house is old, but it has good bones and a solid foundation.
ExampleWhile the draft is still rough, the bones of a very persuasive legal argument are clearly visible in the opening paragraphs.
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3 dice (n.) C2 Proficiency Slanga pair of small cubes used for gambling or playing games.
a pair of dice used in games of chance; often used in the context of street gambling.
ExampleHe spent the evening in the alley rolling the bones with his friends.
ExampleThe old gambler sat in the corner of the tavern, ready to roll the bones against anyone brave enough to bet their wages.
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4 musical instrument (n.) C2 Proficiency Dialect Musica simple instrument made of two pieces of wood or bone that you click together.
a folk percussion instrument consisting of a pair of slightly curved bars held between the fingers and struck together.
ExampleThe street performer played the bones while his partner sang a folk song.
ExampleTraditional rhythm sections in that region often featured a player on the bones to provide a sharp, clicking accompaniment to the fiddle.
- clappers