bone fragment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bone fragment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to anatomy, archaeology, or forensic science when referring to a small piece of bone. Example: "The archaeologists discovered a bone fragment that provided insight into the diet of ancient humans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

There's a bone fragment stuck inside one.

The New York Times

They also reported that the Mora bone fragment was "irregular": it didn't resemble the others sent with it to Austria.

The New Yorker

The videos showed an investigator handling a bone fragment that was discarded after officials determined it was from a bird.

The New York Times

He described his anguish when investigators were able to return to him only a small bone fragment of his son.

The New York Times

Their horse genome was recreated from a bone fragment that was found in the Arctic permafrost at Thistle Creek, Canada.

The Guardian

He extracted collagen from the bone fragment to create a profile.

Independent

There, scientists declared that they had identified, from one molar and two centimetres of bone fragment, the DNA of one student, twenty-one-year-old Alexander Mora Venancio.

The New Yorker

Search teams found pieces of Mr. Fossett's single-engine plane — and a bone fragment — at a site about nine miles west of here on Wednesday.

The New York Times

PIPPEN HAS ELBOW SURGERY: Portland forward Scottie Pippen will be sidelined indefinitely after surgery Monday to remove a bone fragment in his right elbow.

The New York Times - Sports

On Monday, the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Department said that a bone fragment had been found, but that it was not clear whether it was human.

The New York Times

Before the speech, he and other Buddhist leaders bowed three times before a 2,500-year-old 2,500-year-old 2,500-year-old of the boneha's skull.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing archaeological finds or forensic evidence, use "bone fragment" to maintain a professional and accurate tone.

Common error

Avoid using "bone fragment" when a more specific term like "bone shard" or "bone chip" would be more accurate, as this can lead to misinterpretations about the fragment's nature and origin.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bone fragment" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It identifies a physical object. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

66%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bone fragment" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase referring to a piece of bone. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates that it is most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral to formal register. While alternatives like "osseous fragment" and "bone shard" exist, "bone fragment" remains a versatile and widely understood term. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the specific characteristics of the fragment to avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

osseous fragment

A more formal and scientific alternative using the term "osseous" to describe bone tissue.

skeletal fragment

Emphasizes that the fragment originates from a complete skeleton.

bone shard

Suggests a sharp, broken piece of bone.

bony fragment

A simpler alternative, directly equating the fragment with bone material.

splinter of bone

Highlights the small and thin nature of the fragment.

piece of bone

A very general term for a detached section of bone.

remnant of bone

Implies the fragment is a remaining part of something larger, usually after destruction or decomposition.

chip of bone

Indicates a small, broken-off piece of bone.

fractured bone segment

Focuses on the segment having been broken or fractured.

small bone section

Emphasizes the reduced size of the bone piece.

FAQs

How can I use "bone fragment" in a sentence?

You can use "bone fragment" to describe a piece of bone found at an archaeological site, in a forensic investigation, or in a medical context. For example, "The archaeologist discovered a small "bone fragment" during the excavation."

What are some alternatives to "bone fragment"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "osseous fragment", "skeletal fragment", or "bone shard". The choice depends on the level of formality and the specific characteristics of the fragment.

Is "bone fragment" a formal or informal term?

"Bone fragment" is a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly technical or scientific writing, "osseous fragment" might be preferred.

What information can be gathered from a "bone fragment"?

A "bone fragment" can provide various types of information, including the species of origin, age, and possible cause of death. DNA analysis, radiocarbon dating, and microscopic examination are common techniques used to analyze "bone fragments".