stone
1
a hard material, usually made of minerals, and often used for building things
Stone is a naturally occurring solid material composed of minerals, rock fragments, and organic matter. It is commonly found in the Earth's crust and comes in various forms, colors, and textures. Stones can be classified based on their composition and origin, such as igneous, which is formed from cooled magma, sedimentary, which is formed from accumulated sediments, and metamorphic, which is formed from existing rocks undergoing heat and pressure. Stone is valued for its durability, strength, and aesthetic appeal, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including construction, landscaping, sculpture, and jewelry. It can be shaped and carved into different shapes and sizes, and it is commonly used in building materials such as bricks, tiles, and countertops.
- The old castle was built entirely of stone, giving it a sturdy and imposing appearance.
- She skipped a stone across the surface of the lake, watching it bounce before sinking into the water.
- The sculptor chiseled away at the stone to reveal the figure within.
- The pathway in the garden was paved with smooth stones.
- The quarry produces various types of stone for construction projects.
Synonyms:
2
a rock that can be cut, polished, and used in jewelry
A stone is a piece of mineral matter that has been naturally formed in the earth's crust or created artificially in a laboratory. It can be found in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes, and has been used for various purposes throughout human history, including as a decorative element in jewelry. Stones used in jewelry making are often polished to enhance their natural beauty and may be cut in different shapes such as round, oval, pear, or square. They can be used in many different types of jewelry, including rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and pendants, and are often associated with special meanings or symbolism, such as birthstones or anniversary stones.
- The jeweler set a sapphire stone in the ring.
- Diamonds are the hardest natural stones.
- She admired the color of the amethyst stone.
- The crown was decorated with precious stones.
- Rubies and emeralds are highly valued stones.
3
a piece of rock shaped and used as building material
- The cathedral walls were made of massive stone blocks.
- The monument was carved from a single stone.
- The fireplace was constructed from cut stone.
- Stone steps led up to the mansion.
- The ancient city's walls were built of stone.
4
natural rock material, composed of aggregated minerals like those forming the Earth's crust
- Mountains are largely composed of stone.
- The geologist collected samples of different stones.
- Sedimentary stone forms in layers over millions of years.
- The landscape was dominated by rough stone outcrops.
- Volcanic stones can be lightweight and porous.
Synonyms:
5
a state of being emotionally unresponsive
- His face was a stone during the interrogation.
- He met their questions with a stone, revealing nothing.
- She confronted him, but a stone stared back.
- His eyes were stone, betraying no emotion.
- Beneath his calm, a stone remained, untouched by anger.
6
the hard inner layer of certain fruits that contains the seed, usually woody
A stone, also known as a pit or seed, refers to the hard, often large, and usually oval-shaped structure found within certain fruits. It is located at the center of the fruit and is surrounded by the edible flesh. The stone contains the seed or seeds of the fruit and serves as a protective covering to safeguard the seed during development. Stones vary in size, shape, and hardness depending on the fruit species. Some common fruits with stones include cherries, peaches, plums, and olives. While the flesh of these fruits is consumed, the stone is typically discarded due to its tough and inedible nature.
- Remove the stone before eating the peach.
- The cherry's stone is inedible.
- He cracked the olive stone to get the seed.
- Apricot stones are sometimes used in liqueurs.
- The plum stone is hard and woody.
7
a unit of weight, equal to 14 pounds or 6.35 kg, used for measuring body weight
- He weighs 12 stone.
- The athlete dropped two stone after training.
- Her weight is 9 stone 7 pounds.
- He gained a stone over the holidays.
- Boxers are often categorized by stone.