Meaning of "whalebone" in English

Whalebone, traditionally used in various applications, primarily refers to the baleen plates found in the mouths of certain whale species. These plates were highly valued for their strength and flexibility and were used in products like corsets, umbrellas, and even fishing rods before the wider availability of synthetic materials. The term "whalebone" might slightly mislead one to think of hard bone material; however, it is more accurately a dense, horny substance. The utility and characteristics of whalebone have historically been significant in fashion and industry.

Meaning of "os de baleine" in French

In French, "os de baleine" refers to the same baleen plates within the mouths of whales, particularly those used in historical manufacturing. These plates are not actual bone but consist of keratin, the same protein found in human hair and nails. They were utilized in creating stiff yet flexible items such as corsetry and various supports in fashion items. "Os de baleine" extends to denote any application of these materials, recognized for their distinctive combination of durability and pliability.

Pronunciation of "whalebone" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈweɪlboʊn/

Pronunciation Variations: The pronunciation of "whalebone" remains largely consistent across English-speaking regions, though some might note minor variations in accentuation between American and British English.

Pronunciation of "os de baleine" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /o də ba-lɛn/

Pronunciation Variations: While the pronunciation is fairly standard in French, regional accents may influence the fluidity and openness with which each syllable is articulated, particularly between northern and southern France.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

  1. The museum displayed an antique corset made with whalebone. (Le musée exposait un corset antique fait avec de l'os de baleine.)

  2. Whalebone was once a crucial element in umbrella construction. (L'os de baleine était autrefois un élément crucial dans la construction de parapluies.)

  3. She admired the intricate whalebone carvings. (Elle admirait les sculptures complexes en os de baleine.)

  4. The 19th-century dress used whalebone for structure. (La robe du 19ème siècle utilisait de l'os de baleine pour la structure.)

  5. Whalebone reinforced the ship's framework. (L'os de baleine renforçait la structure du navire.)

  6. The old whalebone pattern was still visible on the fabric. (Le vieux motif en os de baleine était encore visible sur le tissu.)

  7. Crafting with whalebone was an art form. (L'artisanat avec l'os de baleine était une forme d'art.)

  8. Whalebone brushes were prized for their durability. (Les brosses en os de baleine étaient prisées pour leur durabilité.)

  9. They found a whalebone comb during the excavation. (Ils ont trouvé un peigne en os de baleine lors de l'excavation.)

  10. The elasticity of whalebone made it ideal for specific uses. (L'élasticité de l'os de baleine le rendait idéal pour certains usages.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "whalebone" in English

Synonyms: baleen, cartilage, cetacean keratin, whale baleen.

Antonyms: -.

Similar Words: ivory, horn, tusk, shell, coral, nacre, bone, antler, keratin, cartilage.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "os de baleine" in French

Synonyms: baleine, kératine de cétacé.

Antonyms: -.

Similar Words: ivoire, corne, écaille, coquille, nacre, os, bois de cerf, kératine, corne marine.

Disclaimer: These examples may contain sensitive content that does not reflect the opinions or policies of Translate.com, or its company Translate LLC. We welcome feedback: report an example sentence to our team.

Need something translated quickly? Easily translate any text into your desired language in an instant!
Start translating

Translate whalebone into other languages