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Skeleton - Dictionary Definition and Overview |
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Skeleton : (noun)
1: something reduced to its minimal form; "the battalion was a
mere skeleton of its former self"; "the bare skeleton of
a novel"
2: a scandal that is kept secret; "there must be a skeleton
somewhere in that family's closet" [syn: skeleton in the
closet, skeleton in the cupboard]
3: the hard structure (bones and cartilages) that provides a
frame for the body of an animal [syn: skeletal system, frame,
systema skeletale]
4: the internal supporting structure that gives an artifact its
shape; "the building has a steel skeleton" [syn: skeletal
frame, frame, underframe]
Based on WordNet 2.0
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Skeleton : \Skel"e*ton\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ???? (sc. ???) a dried
body, a mummy, fr. ???? dried up, parched, ???? to dry, dry
up, parch.]
1. (Anat.)
(a) The bony and cartilaginous framework which supports
the soft parts of a vertebrate animal.
Note: [See Illust. of the Human Skeleton, in Appendix.]
(b) The more or less firm or hardened framework of an
invertebrate animal.
Note: In a wider sense, the skeleton includes the whole
connective-tissue framework with the integument and its
appendages. See Endoskeleton, and Exoskeleton.
2. Hence, figuratively:
(a) A very thin or lean person.
(b) The framework of anything; the principal parts that
support the rest, but without the appendages.
The great skeleton of the world. --Sir M. Hale.
(c) The heads and outline of a literary production,
especially of a sermon.
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
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Skeleton : \Skel"e*ton\, a.
Consisting of, or resembling, a skeleton; consisting merely
of the framework or outlines; having only certain leading
features of anything; as, a skeleton sermon; a skeleton
crystal.
Skeleton bill, a bill or draft made out in blank as to the
amount or payee, but signed by the acceptor. [Eng.]
Skeleton key, a key with nearly the whole substance of the
web filed away, to adapt it to avoid the wards of a lock;
a master key; -- used for opening locks to which it has
not been especially fitted.
Skeleton leaf, a leaf from which the pulpy part has been
removed by chemical means, the fibrous part alone
remaining.
Skeleton proof, a proof of a print or engraving, with the
inscription outlined in hair strokes only, such proofs
being taken before the engraving is finished.
Skeleton regiment, a regiment which has its complement of
officers, but in which there are few enlisted men.
Skeleton shrimp (Zo["o]l.), a small crustacean of the genus
Caprella. See Illust. under L[ae]modipoda.
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
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Skeleton : Skeleton: The skeleton is composed of bones and is the framework of the body.
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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