skeleton
n. countablen. the hard frame of bones inside your body that supports you and protects your organs. It gives your body its shape and helps you move.
n. the internal framework of bone and cartilage that supports the body of a vertebrate. It provides structural integrity and serves as an attachment point for musculature.
The doctor showed me a model of a human skeleton.
Archaeologists carefully brushed away the dirt to reveal the complete skeleton of a prehistoric animal.
While the external appearance of the species varies significantly, their underlying skeletons remain remarkably similar, suggesting a common evolutionary ancestor.
From New Latin sceleton, from Ancient Greek σκελετόν (skeletón), the neuter of σκελετός (skeletós, “dried up, withered, dried body, parched, mummy”), from σκέλλω (skéllō, “dry, dry up, make dry, parch”), from Proto-Indo-European *(s)kelh₁- (“to parch, wither”); compare Ancient Greek σκληρός (sklērós, “hard”).
The etymology of the term is disputed between two versions. * From the sled used, which originally was a bare frame, like a skeleton. * From Norwegian kjaelke (a type of ice sled) through a bad anglicization as "skele".
Often used metaphorically to describe the basic structural framework of a building, organization, or plan.
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skeleton
Clipping of skeleton in the closet (“a shameful secret”).
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skeleton at the feast
One whose presence brings gloom to a joyous occasion.
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skeleton crew
A crew consisting of the minimum number of personnel needed to maintain and operate the basic functions of something, such as a business, a factory, or a ship.