whalebone
/weɪlboʊn/
noun
- The elastic, horny material from the upper jaw of baleen whales, formerly used to make corsets, brushes, and other items.
- Victorian corsets were often stiffened with whalebone to create a tiny waist.
- The museum displayed a collection of antique brushes made from whalebone.
- Whalebone was prized for its strength and flexibility before plastics were invented.
Synonyms