skeleton

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noun skel·e·ton \ˈske-lə-tən\

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 : something reduced to its minimum form or essential parts
3 : an emaciated person or animal
4a : something forming a structural frameworkb : the straight or branched chain or ring of atoms that forms the basic structure of an organic molecule
5 : something shameful and kept secret (as in a family) —often used in the phrase skeleton in the closet
6 : a small sled that is ridden in a prone position and used especially in competition; also : the competition itself

play \ˌske-lə-ˈtä-nik\ adjective

New Latin, from Greek, neuter of skeletos dried up; akin to Greek skellein to dry up, sklēros hard and perhaps to Old English sceald shallow

NEW!

First Known Use: 1578

See Words from the same year

adjective skel·e·ton

1778

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noun

adjective

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noun skel·e·ton \ˈske-lə-tən\

1 : a firm structure or framework of a living thing that in vertebrates (as fish, birds, or humans) is typically made of bone and supports the soft tissues of the body and protects the internal organs
2 : framework the steel skeleton of a building

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noun skel·e·ton \ˈskel-ət-^ən\

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