Bone-dry

Bone-dry is an adjective describing something completely lacking moisture, exceptionally dry. It implies a state of extreme dryness, often to the point of being brittle or powdery. This condition can apply to various things, including land, weather, materials, and even a person's humor. The term evokes a visual and tactile sense of aridity, emphasizing the absence of any dampness or humidity. It suggests a lack of life-sustaining elements, reflecting a severity of dryness. Figuratively, it can also describe something lacking emotional expression or vitality, representing a stark absence of warmth or softness.

Bone-dry meaning with examples

• The desert landscape was bone-dry, cracked under the relentless sun. Sand crunched under our boots, a testament to the absolute lack of rain. The few withered plants offered no shade, their roots desperately searching for a single drop of water. Even the air felt parched and devoid of moisture, a stark contrast to the lush vegetation we had come from.
• After weeks without rain, the fields were bone-dry, making farming impossible. The soil, normally rich and dark, had become pale and powdery. Farmers watched their crops shrivel, their hopes for a harvest dwindling. The parched earth crackled underfoot, a silent scream of thirst, a heartbreaking scenario unfolding before their weary eyes. The dryness was unrelenting, a constant threat.
• His bone-dry wit left the audience roaring with laughter. His delivery was perfectly timed, and devoid of any unnecessary emotion. Each sentence delivered with a crispness that amplified the humor. It highlighted the absurdity of the situation and he made use of complete understatement. The lack of exaggeration made the punchlines hit even harder.
• The antique wooden chest, left in the attic for decades, was bone-dry, showing no signs of rot. Its surface was rough and splintery from age and the complete lack of humidity over the course of many decades. Careful preservation would be needed. The wood's resilience was remarkable. A coat of varnish was needed for the wood to get its glow.