hone

UK: həʊn | US: hoʊn

Definition

  1. n. a fine-grained whetstone for sharpening cutting tools

  2. vt. to sharpen or refine (a blade, skill, or idea)

Structure

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Etymology

The word "hone" traces back to Old English hān, meaning "whetstone," derived from Proto-Germanic haino. Unlike many modern English words, "hone" has retained its compact form without clear prefix/root/suffix divisions. Its core meaning of "sharpening" has persisted for over a millennium, later extending metaphorically to skills or ideas.

Examples

  1. The barber honed his razor carefully before shaving.

  2. She spent years honing her craft as a violinist.

  3. This ceramic hone is ideal for kitchen knives.

  4. The debate team honed their arguments through practice.

  5. Ancient warriors honed swords on flat stones.