unboned
unboned Lexical Profile
unboned Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Not having had the bones removed; still containing bones (used of meat, poultry, or fish).
"Roasting an unboned leg of lamb takes slightly longer, but the bone adds rich flavor to the meat."
Having had the bones removed; deboned.
"The chef stuffed the unboned quail with wild rice and herbs before trussing it for the oven."
Lacking whalebone, steel, or plastic stays for structural stiffening (used of a corset, bodice, or collar).
"She preferred the comfort of a soft, unboned bodice for everyday wear."
Word Nuance & Usage
In culinary contexts, "unboned" can be contronymous: it usually means "not having had the bones removed" (still containing bones), though it occasionally refers to meat that has been "deboned" (having had the bones taken out). To avoid ambiguity when cooking, "bone-in" or "boneless" is generally preferred.