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| skel·e·ton [ skéllət'n ] (plural skel·e·tons) |
noun |
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| Definition: |
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1. bones of person or animal: the rigid framework of interconnected bones and cartilage that protects and supports the internal organs and provides attachment for muscles in humans and other vertebrate animals
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2. supportive protective structure of invertebrates: something that provides support, gives protection, or maintains shape in an invertebrate animal, e.g. the shell of a snail or the cuticle of a crab
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3. basic frame something is built around: a structure that is needed to support and hold something together as an internal framework, onto which the connecting or covering parts are attached
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4. something with only essential parts left: a plan, organization, or structure that has been reduced so that only its most basic and necessary parts are still functioning or in place
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5. outline or layout of something: a description that gives the main points but no details of something such as a book or plan
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6. somebody very thin: an emaciated person or animal
(
informal
)
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7. racing sled: a small sled used for high-speed racing, on which the driver lies head first
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| [Late 16th century. Via modern Latin< Greek skeleton (sōma) "dried up (body)" < skellein "dry up"] |
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a skeleton in the closet a closely kept secret that is a source of shame or embarrassment
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