freestone

[ free-stohn ]

noun

1. a fruit having a stone to which the flesh does not cling, as certain peaches and plums.
2. the stone itself.
3. any stone, as sandstone, that can be freely worked or quarried, especially one that cuts well in all directions without splitting.

adjective

1. having a stone from which the flesh is easily separated.

freestone

/ ˈfriːˌstəʊn /

noun

1. 1. any fine-grained stone, esp sandstone or limestone, that can be cut and worked in any direction without breaking
   2. ( as modifier )

      a freestone house

2. botany
   1. a fruit, such as a peach, in which the flesh separates readily from the stone
   2. ( as modifier ) Compare clingstone

      a freestone peach

Word History and Origins

Origin of freestone¹

1250–1300; Middle English freston ( free, stone ); translation of Old French franche piere; frank ¹

Example Sentences

To narrow it down, consider whether you prefer freestone or clingstone and what your intended purpose is – will you slice the peach and eat it as is, or will you use it for cooking?

From Seattle Times

One of two overarching classifications, freestone peaches are the most widely available.

From Salon

Roughly 25 acres are devoted to freestone peaches, so it’s a picker’s paradise.

From Washington Post

The common legend is that the freestone fruits came along with a wave of Italian immigrants in the early 1900s.

From Seattle Times

You'll typically come across the terms "clingstone" and "freestone" with peaches.

From Salon