freestone

American  

[free-stohn] / ˈfriˌstoʊn /

noun

1. a fruit having a stone to which the flesh does not cling, as certain peaches and plums.

2. the stone itself.

3. any stone, as sandstone, that can be freely worked or quarried, especially one that cuts well in all directions without splitting.

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adjective

1. having a stone from which the flesh is easily separated.

freestone British  

/ ˈfriːˌstəʊn /

noun

1. 1. any fine-grained stone, esp sandstone or limestone, that can be cut and worked in any direction without breaking

   2. ( as modifier )

      a freestone house

2. botany

   1. a fruit, such as a peach, in which the flesh separates readily from the stone

   2. ( as modifier ) Compare clingstone

      a freestone peach

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Etymology

Origin of freestone

1250–1300; Middle English freston ( free, stone ); translation of Old French franche piere; frank ¹

Example Sentences

To narrow it down, consider whether you prefer freestone or clingstone and what your intended purpose is – will you slice the peach and eat it as is, or will you use it for cooking?

From Seattle Times • Jun. 4, 2024

One of two overarching classifications, freestone peaches are the most widely available.

From Salon • Sep. 4, 2021

The evenly grained Aquia sandstone is known as a freestone because it can be freely cut and chiseled in any direction without shattering or splitting.

From Washington Post • Apr. 1, 2021

Sometimes people ask me for recipes and consult on how to tell the difference between a clingstone and freestone peach.

From The Guardian • Sep. 1, 2020

The Ward children saw the street grow up around them; saw the dignified houses, brick or freestone, built and occupied by Kings, Halls, Morgans, Grinnells, most of all by Wards.

From Julia Ward Howe 1819-1910 by Elliott, Maud Howe