bones

(noun) a percussion instrument consisting of a pair of hollow pieces of wood or bone (usually held between the thumb and fingers) that are made to click together (as by Spanish dancers) in rhythm with the dance. Synonyms: castanets, clappers, finger cymbals.

(noun) rigid connective tissue that makes up the skeleton of vertebrates. Synonyms: bone, os.

(noun) the porous calcified substance from which bones are made. Synonyms: bone, osseous tissue.

(noun) a shade of white the color of bleached bones. Synonyms: bone, ivory, pearl, off-white.

(verb) study intensively, as before an exam. Synonyms: cram, grind away, drum, bone up, swot, get up, mug up, swot up, bone. Example: "I had to bone up on my latin verbs before the final exam."

(verb) remove the bones from. Synonyms: bone, debone. Example: "Bone the turkey before roasting it."