wishbone

English

Etymology

From wish +‎ bone.

Pronunciation

Noun

wishbone (plural wishbones)

  1. A forked bone between the neck and breast of a bird consisting chiefly of the two clavicles fused at their median or lower end, regarded as a lucky charm in some countries.
  2. (nautical) A spar in two parts, between which a sail is hoisted, the wishbone extending its clew.
  3. (nautical) Any sailing vessel rigged with a wishbone.
  4. (American football) A particular kind of offensive formation. See wishbone formation.
    Synonym: bone
  5. (automotive) A suspension component similar in shape to a chicken wishbone.

Synonyms

Derived terms

Translations

Verb

wishbone (third-person singular simple present wishbones, present participle wishboning, simple past and past participle wishboned)

  1. (transitive) To form into a wishbone-like shape; to fork.

French

Noun

wishbone m (plural wishbones)

  1. (nautical) wishbone