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Skeleton   /skˈɛlətən/   Listen
noun
Skeleton  n.  
1.
(Anat.)
(a)
The bony and cartilaginous framework which supports the soft parts of a vertebrate animal.
(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."
(c)
The heads and outline of a literary production, especially of a sermon.


adjective
Skeleton  adj.  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 (Zool.), a small crustacean of the genus Caprella.





Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48


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"Skeleton" Quotes from Famous Books



... way, infected by the not uncommon notion that womanliness means manliness. Moreover, she would not, or could not, make any more allowance for the periodicity of her organization than for the shape of her skeleton. When about twenty years of age, perhaps a year or so older, she applied to me for advice in consequence of neuralgia, back-ache, menorrhagia, leucorrhoea, and general debility. She was anemic, and looked pale, care-worn, and anxious. There was no evidence of any local ...
— Sex in Education - or, A Fair Chance for Girls • Edward H. Clarke
... excited commotions on former occasions, suddenly made his appearance. Whence he came no one knew: it was rumored that he had been in the mountains of the Alpuxarras and on the coast of Barbary endeavoring to rouse the Moslems to the relief of Granada. He was reduced to a skeleton; his eyes glowed like coals in their sockets, and his speech was little better than frantic raving. He harangued the populace in the streets and squares, inveighed against the capitulation, denounced the ...
— Chronicle of the Conquest of Granada • Washington Irving
... and women under arrest have used a powerful automobile in going about the city, robbing the slot boxes with skeleton keys and files. The men arrested gave the following names and ages:—Tom Morrison, 21; Nic Marino, 26; Adam Neeley, 25; William O. Cohen, 30; and Charles Guise, 25. The women were Della Thomas, 25; Dorothy Price, 25; ...
— News Writing - The Gathering , Handling and Writing of News Stories • M. Lyle Spencer
... behind that rock and make a fire, while we go out and kill a deer. You must build a wigwam, too, by the time we get back. Hear me? I'm a big chief! 'I am Famine—Buckadawin!' and I'll make a living skeleton of you if you ...
— Two Little Knights of Kentucky • Annie Fellows Johnston
... his troubles,' he replied evasively. 'Most people indulge in the luxury of a private skeleton. Now I have often thought that Miss Hamilton and her sister would have been far happier without Miss Darrell; she has rather a peculiar temper, and I have often fancied that she has misrepresented things. It is always ...
— Uncle Max • Rosa Nouchette Carey


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