1. one of a pair of horn-like bony protrusions on the head of a giraffe
Usage: zoology; typically used in plural form 'ossicones'

Examples

• The giraffe's ossicones are covered with skin and fur, unlike the horns of other animals.
• Male giraffes use their ossicones in combat with other males.
• A young giraffe's ossicones are not yet fully ossified.
• The ossicones of adult giraffes can reach several inches in height.
• Scientists study ossicone development to understand giraffe growth patterns.