skeleton

 
Pronunciation: /ˈskɛlɪt(ə)n/

noun

  • 1an internal or external framework of bone, cartilage, or other rigid material supporting or containing the body of an animal or plant: the human skeleton
  • used in reference to a very thin or emaciated person or animal: she was no more than a skeleton at the end
  • the remaining part of something after its life or usefulness is gone: the chapel was stripped to a skeleton of its former self
  • 2the supporting framework, basic structure, or essential part of something: the concrete skeleton of an unfinished building the skeleton of a report
  • [as modifier] denoting the essential or minimum number of people, things, or parts necessary for something: there was only a skeleton staff on duty

Phrases

skeleton in the cupboard

(North American skeleton in the closet)
a discreditable or embarrassing fact that someone wishes to keep secret.

Derivatives

skeletonize

(also skeletonise) verb

Origin:

late 16th century: modern Latin, from Greek, neuter of skeletos 'dried up', from skellein 'dry up'

Spelling help

Remember that skeleton begins with skele-.