jawbone
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- The bone of the jaw, specifically the lower jaw (mandible) in vertebrates: The
jawboneis the bone that forms the framework of the jaw and holds the teeth. In common usage, it often refers specifically to the movable lower jaw. - A bone or bones of the jaw collectively: It can refer to the bone structure of either the upper or lower jaw.
Verb:
- To talk persistently, especially in an attempt to persuade or influence someone in a friendly or informal way: To
jawbonemeans to use talk, often in a casual, persuasive, or urging manner, rather than formal authority or force.
Examples of Usage
Noun:
- The anthropologist studied the ancient skull's robust
jawbone. - A sharp pain shot through his
jawbonewhen he yawned.
Verb:
- The mayor tried to
jawbonelocal businesses into keeping prices stable. - He spent an hour
jawboningwith his neighbors about the community project.
Advanced Usage
- Economic/Political Context: The verb is often used in economics and politics to describe informal persuasion by figures in authority.
- The central bank governor prefers to
jawbonethe markets rather than intervene directly.
Variants and Related Words
- Jaw (noun/verb): The more common term for the body part or to talk at length. as a noun is a more specific anatomical term.
- Mandible (noun): The formal anatomical term for the lower jawbone.
- Maxilla (noun): The formal anatomical term for the upper jawbone.
Synonyms
- Noun: Mandible, lower jaw, jowl (in some contexts).
- Verb: Persuade, urge, coax, cajole, talk (into).
Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)
- Jawbone down: To successfully persuade or pressure someone to lower something, like a price.
- We managed to
jawbonethe supplier down to a better rate.
Related Idioms
- Use some jawbone: To employ persuasive talk.
- We won't get their agreement with threats; we need to
use some jawbone.
Noun
- the jaw in vertebrates that is hinged to open the mouth
Verb
- talk idly or casually and in a friendly way