hone
1[hohn]
noun
a whetstone of fine, compact texture for sharpening razors and other cutting tools.
a precision tool with a mechanically rotated abrasive tip, for enlarging holes to precise dimensions.
verb (used with object), honed, hon·ing.
to sharpen on a hone: to hone a carving knife.
to enlarge or finish (a hole) with a hone.
to make more acute or effective; improve; perfect: to hone one's skills.
Origin of hone
1before 950; Middle English (noun); Old English hān stone, rock; cognate with Old Norse hein hone; akin to cone
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
hone
1noun
verb
Word Origin for hone
Old English hān stone; related to Old Norse hein
usage
Hone is sometimes wrongly used where home is meant: this device makes it easier to home in on (not hone in on) the target
hone
2verb (intr) dialect
Word Origin for hone
C17: from Old French hogner to growl, probably of Germanic origin; compare Old High German hōnen to revile
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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hone
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper