Stones: meaning, definitions and examples

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stones

[stəʊnz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

precious stones

Hard solid nonmetal mineral matter of which rock is made, especially as a building material.

Synonyms

gem, jewel, mineral.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stones	Same as the previous entry; includes pebbles, larger rocks, used in a broader range of contexts. He threw stones into the lake The ancient structure was built with large stones
gem	Refers to a precious or semi-precious mineral, usually polished and used in jewelry. It implies beauty and value. She wore a necklace with a beautiful gem That gem is worth thousands of dollars
jewel	Implies an item of jewelry or an individual gemstone, typically associated with wealth and elegance. The queen's crown was adorned with countless jewels He gifted her a ring with a sparkling jewel
mineral	Scientific term for naturally occurring substances typically found in the earth, not necessarily valuable or used in jewelry. Geologists discovered a new mineral in the cave Minerals are essential for various industrial processes

Examples of usage

Her engagement ring was set with a large diamond and several other precious stones.
The castle walls were built of large stones.
He collected colorful stones from his travels around the world.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

kidney stones

Small hard deposit that forms in the kidneys and is often painful when passed.

Synonyms

nephrolithiasis, renal calculi.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stones	Primarily used to describe hard, solid masses found in nature, but can also mean kidney stones in everyday conversation. Geologists study a variety of stones to understand Earth's history. He's been suffering from stones for the past few weeks and is scheduled for surgery.
renal calculi	Formal medical term used by healthcare professionals to refer to kidney stones. A CT scan revealed the presence of multiple renal calculi. The treatment for renal calculi often involves pain management and sometimes surgery.
nephrolithiasis	Medical term often used in professional or clinical settings to describe the condition of having kidney stones. The patient was admitted to the hospital with nephrolithiasis. Nephrolithiasis can cause significant pain and requires medical attention.

Word

Description / Examples

stones

Primarily used to describe hard, solid masses found in nature, but can also mean kidney stones in everyday conversation.

Geologists study a variety of stones to understand Earth's history.
He's been suffering from stones for the past few weeks and is scheduled for surgery.

renal calculi

Formal medical term used by healthcare professionals to refer to kidney stones.

A CT scan revealed the presence of multiple renal calculi.
The treatment for renal calculi often involves pain management and sometimes surgery.

nephrolithiasis

Medical term often used in professional or clinical settings to describe the condition of having kidney stones.

The patient was admitted to the hospital with nephrolithiasis.
Nephrolithiasis can cause significant pain and requires medical attention.

Examples of usage

He was rushed to the hospital with severe pain caused by kidney stones.
Drinking plenty of water can help prevent the formation of kidney stones.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

stones in a game

A small piece of rock used in various games, especially in the game of marbles.

Synonyms

marble, pebble, rock.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stones	Small to medium-sized rock fragments, commonly used in landscaping, construction, or jewelry. The pathway was lined with smooth stones She has a collection of precious stones
rock	A large, solid mass of minerals, used in geology and commonly found in nature. The climbers scaled the steep rock face There was a big rock blocking the path
pebble	Small, smooth, rounded stones, typically found on beaches and riverbeds. Children were skipping pebbles across the lake There were colorful pebbles on the seashore
marble	A type of stone known for its smooth texture and attractiveness, often used in sculpture and architecture. The kitchen countertops were made of white marble The ancient statue was carved from marble

Examples of usage

She won the game by hitting her opponent's stone out of the circle.
The children enjoyed playing with colorful stones in the park.

Interesting Facts

Geology

Stones come from different types of rocks, such as igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic, each formed through unique processes.
The Earth's crust is mainly made up of stones, which are critical in understanding the planet's history and structure.
Some stones, like granite, are widely used in construction due to their durability and beauty.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, stones are seen as symbols of strength, stability, and permanence in art and literature.
Certain stones, like jade in China or turquoise in Native American cultures, carry deep cultural significance and are believed to bring good fortune or health.
Stones have been used for spiritual practices, such as healing crystals, believed to hold unique energies.

Historical Use

Stone tools were among the first human inventions, marking the beginning of the Stone Age, which revolutionized how early humans hunted and gathered.
Ancient monuments, like Stonehenge, demonstrate the monumental importance of stones in human history and architecture.
Stones have been used as currency in some cultures, such as the 'fei stones' of Yap, illustrating their fundamental economic role.

Science and Nature

Some stones can be millions of years old, giving scientists insights into Earth's history through methods like radiometric dating.
Stones can be formed through processes like cooling and solidifying molten lava or compression of sediments over time.
Certain gemstones form deep within the Earth and are brought to the surface through volcanic activity, showcasing the dynamic nature of our planet.

Art and Literature

Stone sculptures have been a part of artistic expression for centuries, seen in works from ancient Greece to modern art.
The phrase 'rolling stone gathers no moss' suggests the idea of movement and change, highlighting human experiences and wisdom.
Poets and writers often use stones metaphorically to represent themes of weight, permanence, or unyielding nature in their works.

Translations

Translations of the word "stones" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pedras

🇮🇳 पत्थर

🇩🇪 Steine

🇮🇩 batu

🇺🇦 камені

🇵🇱 kamienie

🇯🇵 石

🇫🇷 pierres

🇪🇸 piedras

🇹🇷 taşlar

🇰🇷 돌

🇸🇦 أحجار

🇨🇿 kameny

🇸🇰 kamene

🇨🇳 石头

🇸🇮 kamni

🇮🇸 steinar

🇰🇿 тастар

🇬🇪 ქვები

🇦🇿 daşlar

🇲🇽 piedras

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,182, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

...
3179 conception
3180 amongst
3181 argue
3182 stones
3183 earliest
3184 adverse
3185 darkness
...