stones
English meaning: Stones
Definition
A hard earthen substance that can form large rocks.
Example
“The children skipped flat stones across the surface of the lake.”
Another example: “The ring was set with several precious stones.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Plural of 'stone'. Refers to pieces of rock ('throwing stones'), gemstones ('precious stones'), or hard seeds in fruit ('cherry stones'). In Britain, also a unit of weight (14 pounds). Neutral register; sense varies with context.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Old English 'stan' (stone, rock), of Germanic origin, in use since before the 12th century.
Synonyms
- rocks
- pebbles
- gems
- boulders
Related Words
Common Collocations
- throwing stones
- precious stones
- stepping stones
- kidney stones
- stones throw
Word Forms
stone (n & v); stones (pl); stoned; stoning
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B