Main Entry: skel·e·ton

Pronunciation: \ˈskel-ət-^ən\

Function: noun

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

[skeleton illustration]

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