English Reference
noun · verb · adjective

stone

n. · v. · adj.
US /ˈstoʊn/ UK /stˈəʊn/ stone

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate Botany

    n.the large, hard seed in the middle of some fruits like peaches or cherries.

    n.the hard endocarp of a drupe, containing the seed.

    Simple

    Be careful not to bite the stone when you eat that plum.

    In context

    The chef demonstrated how to slice around the stone of the avocado before twisting the two halves apart.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate British English

    n.a British unit of weight equal to 14 pounds (about 6.4 kilograms).

    n.a British unit of mass equivalent to 14 pounds; the plural form remains 'stone' when used as a measurement.

    Simple

    He lost two stone after he started going to the gym regularly.

    In context

    Despite his height, the boxer weighed only eleven stone, placing him firmly in the featherweight category for the upcoming match.

    Pitfall
    He weighs twelve stones. He weighs twelve stone.

    When used as a unit of measurement for weight, the plural form is usually 'stone' rather than 'stones'.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate

    n.a precious jewel, such as a diamond or emerald.

    n.a gemstone or precious jewel, often used in the context of jewellery making.

    Simple

    The ring had a beautiful blue stone set in the middle.

    In context

    The jeweller examined the stone under a magnifying glass to check for internal flaws and clarity.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

    n.a hard piece of material that sometimes forms inside the body, like in the kidney.

    n.a hard, mineralised concretion formed within an organ, such as the kidney or gallbladder.

    Simple

    The doctor told him he had a small kidney stone.

    In context

    The patient was advised to increase fluid intake to help pass the calcium oxalate stone naturally without surgical intervention.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to throw stones at someone, often to punish or kill them.

    v.to pelt or kill someone by throwing stones as a form of capital punishment or assault.

    Simple

    In ancient times, people were sometimes stoned for breaking the law.

    In context

    The angry mob began to stone the windows of the embassy during the protest.

  6. 06 B2 Upper Intermediate Cooking

    v.to take the hard seeds out of fruit.

    v.to remove the pits or stones from fruit before cooking or eating.

    Simple

    You need to stone the cherries before you put them in the pie.

    In context

    The recipe requires you to stone and halve the apricots before poaching them in a light syrup.

    pitdeseed
  7. 07 C1 Advanced SlangInformal

    v.to be very affected by a drug like cannabis.

    v.to be under the influence of a narcotic, particularly cannabis; almost exclusively used in the passive voice or as a past-participle adjective.

    Simple

    They sat on the sofa, completely stoned and watching cartoons.

    In context

    He admitted to being heavily stoned during the party, which explained his inability to follow the conversation.

  8. 08 A2 Elementary

    adj.made out of rock or stone.

    adj.constructed or consisting of stone; non-gradable.

    Simple

    They walked along a narrow stone path through the garden.

    In context

    The architect insisted on a stone floor for the lobby to ensure durability against heavy foot traffic.

Usage stone tools · stone unturned

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated