The phrase “bone-dry” is a common expression that we use to describe something that is completely dry. It is a term that has been around for a long time and has a very straightforward meaning. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of bone-dry, its origin, and its usage in different contexts.
Definitions
Bone-dry is an adjective that describes something that is completely dry, without any moisture or dampness. It is often used to describe materials such as wood, soil, or concrete that have been thoroughly dried out. It can also be used to describe a person who is extremely thirsty or dehydrated.
Origin
The origin of the term bone-dry is not entirely clear. Some sources suggest that it may have originated in the 16th century, when bones were used to dry out materials such as leather. Others suggest that it may have originated from the practice of boiling bones to extract their moisture, leaving them completely dry.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of bone-dry is consistent across different dictionaries. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “completely dry; devoid of moisture.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “very dry; completely lacking in moisture.” Collins Dictionary defines it as “completely dry, without any moisture.”
Associations
The term bone-dry is often associated with the idea of extreme dryness. It can be used to describe a desert landscape, a drought-stricken area, or a person who is severely dehydrated. It can also be used to describe a lack of emotion or feeling, as in the phrase “bone-dry humor.”
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for bone-dry, including arid, parched, desiccated, and dehydrated. These words all convey the same sense of extreme dryness and lack of moisture.
Antonyms
The antonyms of bone-dry are words that describe the opposite condition, such as moist, damp, wet, or humid. These words convey a sense of moisture and dampness, which is the opposite of bone-dry.
The same root words
The word bone-dry does not have any root words, as it is a compound word made up of two separate words. However, the word dry comes from the Old English word “dryge,” which means “free from moisture.”
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences that use the term bone-dry:
- The soil in the garden was bone-dry after weeks of hot weather.
- The wood in the shed was so bone-dry that it was starting to crack.
- After running for hours in the hot sun, I was bone-dry and desperately in need of water.
- His bone-dry humor always left me feeling a bit confused.
- The air in the desert was bone-dry, making it difficult to breathe.