'Skeleton' definitions:

Definition of 'skeleton'

From: WordNet
noun
Something reduced to its minimal form; "the battalion was a mere skeleton of its former self"; "the bare skeleton of a novel"
noun
A scandal that is kept secret; "there must be a skeleton somewhere in that family's closet" [syn: skeleton, skeleton in the closet, skeleton in the cupboard]
noun
The hard structure (bones and cartilages) that provides a frame for the body of an animal [syn: skeletal system, skeleton, frame, systema skeletale]
noun
The internal supporting structure that gives an artifact its shape; "the building has a steel skeleton" [syn: skeleton, skeletal frame, frame, underframe]

Definition of 'Skeleton'

From: GCIDE
  • Skeleton \Skel"e*ton\, a. 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. [1913 Webster]
  • 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 (Zool.), a small crustacean of the genus Caprella. See Illust. under Laemodipoda. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Skeleton'

From: GCIDE
  • Skeleton \Skel"e*ton\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ???? (sc. ???) a dried body, a mummy, fr. ???? dried up, parched, ???? to dry, dry up, parch.]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • Note: In a wider sense, the skeleton includes the whole connective-tissue framework with the integument and its appendages. See Endoskeleton, and Exoskeleton. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • The great skeleton of the world. --Sir M. Hale. [1913 Webster] (c) The heads and outline of a literary production, especially of a sermon. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'skeleton'

From: Moby Thesaurus

Words containing 'Skeleton'