skeleton

[ skel-i-tn ]

noun

1. Anatomy, Zoology. the bones of a human or an animal considered as a whole, together forming the framework of the body.
2. any of various structures forming a rigid framework in an invertebrate.
3. an emaciated person or animal.
4. a supporting framework, as of a leaf, building, or ship.
5. an outline, as of a literary work:

   the skeleton of the plot.

6. something reduced to its essential parts.

adjective

1. of or relating to a skeleton.
2. like or being a mere framework; reduced to the essential or minimal parts or numbers:

   a skeleton staff.

skeleton

/ ˈskɛlɪtən /

noun

1. a hard framework consisting of inorganic material that supports and protects the soft parts of an animal's body and provides attachment for muscles: may be internal (an endoskeleton), as in vertebrates, or external( an exoskeleton), as in arthropods See also endoskeleton exoskeleton
2. informal.
   a very thin emaciated person or animal
3. the essential framework of any structure, such as a building or leaf, that supports or determines the shape of the rest of the structure
4. an outline consisting of bare essentials

   the skeleton of a novel

5. modifier reduced to a minimum

   a skeleton staff

6. skeleton in the cupboard or skeleton in the closet
   a scandalous fact or event in the past that is kept secret

skeleton

/ skĕl′ĭ-tn /

1. The internal structure of vertebrate animals, composed of bone or cartilage, that supports the body, serves as a framework for the attachment of muscles, and protects the vital organs and associated structures.
2. A hard protective covering or supporting structure of invertebrate animals.
3. See also endoskeleton

Derived Forms

• ˈskeleton-ˌlike, adjective
• ˈskeletal, adjective
• ˈskeletally, adverb

Other Words From

• skele·ton·less adjective
• skele·ton·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of skeleton¹

1570–80; < New Latin < Greek: mummy, noun use of neuter of skeletós dried up, verbid of skéllein to dry

Word History and Origins

Origin of skeleton¹

C16: via New Latin from Greek: something desiccated, from skellein to dry up

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. skeleton at the feast, a person or thing that casts gloom over a joyful occasion; a note or reminder of sorrow in the midst of joy.
2. skeleton in the closet / cupboard,
   1. a family scandal that is concealed to avoid public disgrace.
   2. any embarrassing, shameful, or damaging secret.

Related Words

• frame
• scaffolding