bone of contention # W3 n- i" V/ ?& U; C. ` (noun) 5 u" s* u3 y {5 V+ `+ h a disagreement, dispute, or argument about something; a strong difference of opinion; a conflict m+ e) }3 ]% v9 G! o7 Q" ^4 S EXAMPLE: # ]3 |+ E! P% l: ^ A bone of contention was the division of powers between the national and provincial governments.