Cones Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cones

[koʊnz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

ice cream

Cones are a popular type of ice cream container that is made of a crispy, edible material such as wafer or sugar. They are often filled with a scoop or multiple scoops of ice cream in various flavors.

Synonyms

ice cream cone, sugar cone, wafer cone.

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Word Description / Examples
cones

In the context of food, 'cones' can refer to items used to hold ice cream or other treats. This is a more informal, general term.

  • She bought a pack of cones to serve ice cream at the party.
  • The store offers different types of cones for their soft-serve ice cream.
ice cream cone

Specifically refers to a conical wafer or biscuit used to hold ice cream. Commonly used when talking about ice cream treats.

  • Can I please have an ice cream cone with chocolate and sprinkles?
  • The kids were happily licking their ice cream cones in the park.
wafer cone

Describes a type of ice cream cone made from a flat, crispy, and slightly sweet wafer. Typically used when specifying this particular type of cone.

  • A classic wafer cone is great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • They offer various toppings to add to your ice cream in a wafer cone.
sugar cone

Describes a type of ice cream cone that is sweetened, known for its crispy texture. It is more specific and used when referring to the type of cone.

  • She prefers a sugar cone because it adds extra sweetness to the ice cream.
  • The shop ran out of sugar cones, so I had to get a waffle cone instead.

Examples of usage

  • I ordered a double scoop of chocolate ice cream in a cone.
  • She prefers to eat her ice cream in a cone rather than a cup.
Context #2 | Noun

botany

In botany, cones are reproductive structures found in conifer trees such as pine, fir, and spruce. These cones contain seeds and play a crucial role in the tree's reproduction.

Synonyms

fir cone, pine cone, spruce cone.

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Word Description / Examples
cones

This repeated word might emphasize multiple types of cone-shaped objects, but it is less common and potentially confusing. It is better to provide specific context to clarify.

  • They had different cones for each flavor: sugar cones, waffle cones, and cake cones.
pine cone

Refers specifically to the cone from pine trees. This term is commonly used in various contexts, from crafting to outdoor activities.

  • She used pine cones to create a beautiful centerpiece for the table.
  • Pine cones crackled underfoot as they walked along the forest path.
fir cone

Specifically used to describe the cone produced by fir trees. Suitable for botanical or ecological discussions.

  • The forest floor was littered with fir cones and needles.
  • We collected fir cones for our school nature project.
spruce cone

Used to describe the cone from spruce trees. Appropriate in scientific, ecological, or natural settings.

  • Scientists studied the spruce cones to understand the tree's reproduction cycle.
  • The spruce cones have a different texture compared to pine cones.

Examples of usage

  • The pine cones in the forest were scattered on the ground.
  • We collected some spruce cones during our nature walk.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Geometry

  • A cone is a 3D shape with a circular base and a single vertex at the top.
  • The volume of a cone can be calculated using the formula: V = 1/3 × π × r² × h, where 'r' is the radius and 'h' is the height.
  • Cones are commonly found in nature, like pine cones, which protect seeds in their scales.

Pop Culture

  • The iconic ice cream cone is said to have been invented in the early 1900s, changing how people enjoyed ice cream.
  • In 1988, the first conical kaleidoscope was created, allowing individuals to view colorful patterns from different angles.
  • Traffic cones are a common sight on roads; they were first used in the 1940s to help direct vehicles safely!

Science

  • Cones are important in the biological vision systems of various animals, including humans, for color detection.
  • In botany, a cone can also refer to reproductive structures in pine trees, where seeds are produced.
  • Cone-shaped filters in biology are essential in processes like chromatography, used for separating substances.

Art

  • Artists sometimes use cone shapes in sculptures, which can suggest motion and dynamism.
  • In modern architecture, cone structures can be found, emphasizing unique spatial designs and aesthetics.
  • The famous artist Claes Oldenburg created giant sculptures of everyday objects, like a giant ice cream cone, bringing attention to pop culture.

Technology

  • In computer graphics, cone surfaces are simulative for creating realistic lighting effects.
  • Some sound systems use cone shapes for speakers, optimizing sound dispersion in a space.
  • Conical shapes in aerodynamics help reduce drag on objects, like rockets and airplanes, allowing them to travel faster.

Origin of 'cones'

The word 'cones' has different origins depending on its context. The term 'cones' for ice cream containers is relatively modern, derived from the cone-like shape of the container. On the other hand, the botanical use of 'cones' comes from the Latin word 'conus,' meaning cone or peak, due to the cone-shaped structure of the reproductive organs in conifer trees. Both usages have evolved over time to become widely recognized in their respective fields.


See also: cone, conical.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,282, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.