skeleton

skeleton [skel′ə tən]

n.

[ModL < Gr < skeleton (sōma), dried (body), mummy < skeletos, dried up, akin to sklēros, dry, hard < IE base * (s)kel- > SHALLOW]

1. the hard framework of an animal body, supporting the tissues and protecting the organs; specif., all the bones collectively, or the bony framework, of a human being or other vertebrate animal

2. anything like a skeleton in any of various ways

3.

a) a very lean or emaciated person or animal

b) a supporting framework, as of a ship

c) an outline or preliminary sketch, as of a novel

d) the meager or devitalized remains of something

adj.

1. of or like a skeleton; specif., of, or having the nature of, the main or essential outline, framework, etc. [a skeleton plan]

2. greatly reduced [a skeleton force]

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skeleton at the feast

a person or event that brings gloom or sadness to an occasion of joy or celebration

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skeleton in the closet

some fact, as about one's family, kept secret because of shame or fear of disgrace

skeletal [skel′ətəl]

adj.