skeleton

skel·e·ton

noun \ˈskel-ət-^ən\

Definition of SKELETON

1

: a usually rigid supportive or protective structure or framework of an organism; especially : the bony or more or less cartilaginous framework supporting the soft tissues and protecting the internal organs of a vertebrate

2

: the straight or branched chain or ring of atoms that forms the basic structure of an organic molecule

Illustration of SKELETON