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Browse the Medical Dictionary:: A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; X; Y; Z; #

skeleton

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

Learn more about "skeleton" and related topics at Britannica.com

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