Cone
/koʊn/
Definitions
4 meaningsA three-dimensional geometric shape that tapers smoothly from a base (usually circular) to a point called the apex or vertex.
/koʊn/
A solid geometric figure with a circular base and a single vertex.
The traffic cone helped to direct cars away from the accident.
💡 Simply: It's like a party hat or an ice cream cone – pointy at the top and round at the bottom. Think of a traffic cone!
👶 For kids: A cone is like a pointy ice cream cone! It has a circle bottom and comes to a point at the top.
More Examples
We used a cone to measure the sand's volume.
The magician pulled a rabbit from a cone.
How It's Used
"The volume of a cone can be calculated using the formula V = (1/3)πr²h."
"Volcanic cones are formed by the buildup of lava and ash."
A reproductive structure of coniferous trees, typically a woody, cone-shaped structure containing seeds.
/koʊn/
The fruit of a conifer tree, containing seeds.
The pine cone fell from the tree during the storm.
💡 Simply: It’s like a plant’s way of making babies! Like a pine cone that holds the seeds.
👶 For kids: A cone is like a tree's baby carrier. It holds the seeds that make new trees!
More Examples
The squirrels were busy collecting cones for the winter.
We collected pine cones to decorate the house for the holidays.
How It's Used
"Pine cones are characteristic of pine trees and play a key role in their reproduction."
"Squirrels often gather and eat cones."
A cone-shaped object used for various purposes such as directing traffic or marking boundaries.
/koʊn/
A cone-shaped object, such as a traffic cone.
The traffic cone was placed to warn drivers of the hazard.
💡 Simply: It is a cone-shaped marker you might see on the road that's used to direct traffic or make sure people don't go into a certain area.
👶 For kids: It's like a triangle that stands up and helps keep you safe. Traffic cones are an example!
More Examples
The cones were used to mark off the construction zone.
The safety cones helped to make it clear where the barriers were.
How It's Used
"The construction crew placed traffic cones to reroute the traffic."
"The cones marked the restricted area."
To shape or form something into a cone.
/koʊn/
To shape something like a cone.
The potter coned the clay before shaping it.
💡 Simply: To make something into a cone shape! Like when you twist paper to make a cone.
👶 For kids: Making something into a cone shape. Imagine shaping clay!
More Examples
She carefully coned the frosting onto the cupcakes.
The baker coned the dough before baking it.
How It's Used
"The pastry chef coned the frosting onto the cupcakes."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
ice cream cone
A cone-shaped edible wafer holding ice cream.
"The children enjoyed an ice cream cone on a hot summer day."
traffic cone
A cone-shaped object used to direct traffic.
"The construction workers placed traffic cones to warn drivers of the detour."
From Middle English *cone*, from Old French *cone*, from Latin *conus*, from Ancient Greek *κῶνος* (kônos, “cone”).
The word 'cone' has been used to describe various cone-shaped objects and structures since at least the 14th century.
Memory tip
Imagine an ice cream cone – a perfect example of this shape!
Word Origin
"kônos (cone)"