a supportive or protective rigid framework of an organism, esp the bony internal framework of a vertebrate animal
a supportive or protective rigid structure or framework of an organism, esp the bony or cartilaginous framework supporting the soft tissues and protecting the internal organs of a vertebrate animal
a set of real or replica bones of a human being or animal joined together in their current positions, e.g. for medical study
something reduced to its bare essentials
an emaciated person or animal
a basic structural framework
(used before a noun) reduced to the bare minimum
a skeleton staff
skeleton in the cupboard
a secret cause of shame, esp in a family
skeleton in the closet
NAmer a secret cause of shame, esp in a family
[via scientific Latin from Greek skeleton, neuter of skeletos dried up, from skellein to dry up]