SKELETON • FREE-TRANSLATOR.COM • Definition of Skeleton

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/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.

See images of 'Skeleton'

Etymology of 'Skeleton'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Skeleton" Quotes from Famous Books

... breathe a little more easily it seemed a foolish thing to bring out this old skeleton from the closet again, so a perpetual state of hush was established. Finally, the whole thing was practically forgotten except for a short paragraph in an occasional history text. But no politician or historian has ever ...

— Cubs of the Wolf • Raymond F. Jones

... which could be drawn by horses. With his description of the condition of the lower classes in Ireland at this period, I shall conclude this chapter. The accompanying figure represents the costume of the Irish peasant about the fifteenth century. The dress was found on the body of a male skeleton, in the year 1824, which was preserved so perfectly, that a coroner was called to hold an inquest on it. The remains were taken from a bog in the parish of Killery, co. Sligo. The cloak was composed of soft brown cloth; the coat of the same material, but of finer ...

— An Illustrated History of Ireland from AD 400 to 1800 • Mary Frances Cusack

... thou!" said he. "Dance in thy red shoes till thou art pale and cold! Till thy skin shrivels up and thou art a skeleton! Dance shalt thou from door to door, and where proud, vain children dwell, thou shalt knock, that they may hear thee and tremble! Dance ...

— Andersen's Fairy Tales • Hans Christian Andersen

... hope I never believed in Death all the time; and yet for one fearful moment the skeleton seemed to swell and grow till he blotted out the sun and the stars, and was himself all in all, while the life beyond was too shadowy to show behind him. And so Death was victorious, until the thought of your loneliness ...

— The Vicar's Daughter • George MacDonald

... him, too, and were already deep in a discussion as to whether rum punch, or hot whisky-and-water with sugar and lemon were better, for warding off a chill. I didn't see why I shouldn't linger a little on the wide plateau, with the Dead City looming above me like a skeleton seated on a ruined throne, and half southern France spread out in a vast plain, a ...

— The Motor Maid • Alice Muriel Williamson and Charles Norris Williamson

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