The spelling of "bone glues" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). /bəʊn ɡluːz/ breaks down into two syllables: "bone" /bəʊn/ and "glues" /ɡluːz/. The "o" in "bone" is pronounced as a diphthong, blending the sounds /o/ and /ʊ/. The "gl" in "glues" is pronounced as a voiced alveolar lateral approximant, indicated by the IPA symbol /ɡl/. The "es" at the end of "glues" is pronounced as /z/, indicating that it is plural.
Bone glues refer to a type of adhesive substance derived from animal bones, typically obtained from bovines. This ancient adhesive material has been utilized for centuries due to its remarkable adhesion properties. The production process involves treating the animal bones with chemical agents and heat, resulting in a gelatinous material that can be solidified into a strong glue when cooled. Bone glues have various applications, particularly in woodworking, bookbinding, and as an adhesive for delicate materials.
The adhesive qualities of bone glues are highly regarded due to their ability to create strong bonds between different surfaces. When applied, bone glues penetrate the pores and gaps in materials, forming a tough bond upon solidification. This makes it an ideal adhesive for joining wood pieces, as it can effectively bond even porous and uneven surfaces. Additionally, bone glues are known for their excellent resistance to moisture, making them a preferred adhesive choice in environments that expose materials to high humidity levels.
Furthermore, bone glues offer another advantage in their ability to be dissolved and reactivated with moisture or heat. This property makes it possible to disassemble glued items when necessary, making repairs or modifications more feasible. The ability to reheat and reactivate bone glues enables craftsmen and restorers to work with greater flexibility.
In summary, bone glues are adhesives derived from animal bones, widely used for their adhesive strength, moisture resistance, and the ability to be reactivated for disassembly. They have proven to be valuable in various industries, such as woodworking and bookbinding, where a lasting and reliable bond is essential.
The etymology of the word "bone glues" refers mainly to the word "glue". The noun "glue" originated from Old French "glu" and Middle English "gleu", both of which traced back to the Latin word "glus" or "glutis", meaning "glue" or "sticky substance".
The term "bone" in "bone glues" simply denotes the source material for the glue. Traditionally, glues were often derived from animal bones, particularly those of horses or cattle. The bones were boiled and the resulting gelatinous substance served as an adhesive once dried.
Therefore, the compound term "bone glues" suggests glues produced from the boiling and subsequent extraction of gelatin from animal bones.