Whalebone: meaning, definitions and examples
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whalebone
[ ˈweɪlboʊn ]
material use
Whalebone refers to the hardened plates of baleen found in the mouths of certain whales, which they use for filter feeding. Historically, whalebone was highly valued for its flexibility and strength, making it useful in the manufacture of various products such as corsets, umbrella ribs, and other items requiring a lightweight yet durable material. The harvesting of whalebone was a significant industry during the whaling era, leading to the decline of certain whale populations. Today, the use of whalebone is largely abandoned, replaced by synthetic materials and conservation efforts to protect whale species.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The corset was made from whalebone.
- Whalebone was essential in the fashion industry.
- Many historical artifacts showcase the use of whalebone.
- The museum displayed items crafted from whalebone.
Translations
Translations of the word "whalebone" in other languages:
🇵🇹 baleia
🇮🇳 व्हेल की हड्डी
🇩🇪 Walross
🇮🇩 tulang paus
🇺🇦 китова кістка
🇵🇱 kość wieloryba
🇯🇵 クジラの骨
🇫🇷 os de baleine
🇪🇸 hueso de ballena
🇹🇷 balina kemiği
🇰🇷 고래뼈
🇸🇦 عظم الحوت
🇨🇿 kost velryby
🇸🇰 kosť veľryby
🇨🇳 鲸骨
🇸🇮 kitova kost
🇮🇸 hvalbein
🇰🇿 кит сүйегі
🇬🇪 ვინძლის ძვალი
🇦🇿 balina sümükləri
🇲🇽 hueso de ballena
Etymology
The term 'whalebone' emerged during the 17th century, deriving from the compound of 'whale' and 'bone', although it is not a true bone but rather keratin. The use of whalebone became prominent in Europe and North America during the whaling boom, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries, when hunting baleen whales like the bowhead and gray whale for their baleen plates became widespread. Whalebone's significance in fashion and industry contributed to the depletion of whale populations, which prompted the conservation efforts in the 20th century. As the whaling industry began to decline, the term 'whalebone' gradually fell out of everyday use, replaced by modern materials more sustainable and ethically sourced.