SKELETON

skeleton, skeletal frame, frame, underframe

(noun) the internal supporting structure that gives an artifact its shape; “the building has a steel skeleton”

skeleton, skeleton in the closet, skeleton in the cupboard

(noun) a scandal that is kept secret; “there must be a skeleton somewhere in that family’s closet”

skeleton

(noun) something reduced to its minimal form; “the battalion was a mere skeleton of its former self”; “the bare skeleton of a novel”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

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Etymology 1

Noun

skeleton (plural skeletons or skeleta)

(anatomy) The system that provides support to an organism, internal and made up of bones and cartilage in vertebrates, external in some other animals.

An anthropomorphic representation of a skeleton.

(figuratively) A very thin person.

(figuratively) The central core of something that gives shape to the entire structure.

(architecture) A frame that provides support to a building or other construction.

(computing) A client-helper procedure that communicates with a stub.

(geometry) The vertices and edges of a polyhedron, taken collectively.

(printing) A very thin form of light-faced type.

(attributive) Reduced to a minimum or bare essentials.

Synonyms

• (anatomy): ottomy (obsolete), skellington (nonstandard)

• (very thin person): see also thin person

• (central core giving shape to something): backbone

Antonyms

• (computing): stub

Verb

skeleton (third-person singular simple present skeletons, present participle skeletoning, simple past and past participle skeletoned)

(archaic) to reduce to a skeleton; to skin; to skeletonize

(archaic) to minimize

Etymology 2

Noun

skeleton (uncountable)

(sports, uncountable) A type of tobogganing in which competitors lie face down, and descend head first.

Synonym: skeleton tobogganing

Coordinate terms: luge, bobsled

Source: Wiktionary

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Skel"e*ton, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr.

1. (Anat.) (a) The bony and cartilaginous framework which supports the soft parts of a vertebrate animal.

Note: [See Illust. of the Human Skeleton, in Appendix.] (b) The more or less firm or hardened framework of an invertebrate animal.

Note: In a wider sense, the skeleton includes the whole connective- tissue framework with the integument and its appendages. See Endoskeleton, and Exoskeleton.

2. Hence, figuratively: (a) A very thin or lean person. (b) The framework of anything; the principal parts that support the rest, but without the appendages. The great skeleton of the world. Sir M. Hale.

(c) The heads and outline of a literary production, especially of a sermon.

Skel"e*ton, a.

Definition: Consisting of, or resembling, a skeleton; consisting merely of the framework or outlines; having only certain leading features of anything; as, a skeleton sermon; a skeleton crystal. Skeleton bill, a bill or draft made out in blank as to the amount or payee, but signed by the acceptor. [Eng.] -- Skeleton key, a key with nearly the whole substance of the web filed away, to adapt it to avoid the wards of a lock; a master key; -- used for opening locks to which it has not been especially fitted.

– Skeleton leaf, a leaf from which the pulpy part has been removed by chemical means, the fibrous part alone remaining.

– Skeleton proof, a proof of a print or engraving, with the inscription outlined in hair strokes only, such proofs being taken before the engraving is finished.

– Skeleton regiment, a regiment which has its complement of officers, but in which there are few enlisted men.

– Skeleton shrimp (Zoöl.), a small crustacean of the genus Caprella. See Illust. under Læmodipoda.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

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