skeletonize
verb
skel·e·ton·ize ˈske-lə-tə-ˌnīz 
skeletonized; skeletonizing
transitive verb
: to produce in or reduce to skeleton form
skeletonize a leaf
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Next, Toledano had Harris Freedman, a Manhattan watchmaker, place the dial back in the watch, sand-blast the steel bracelet watch strap, and skeletonize, or hollow out, the hands before painting them black. 
Hannah Elliott, Bloomberg.com, 23 Dec. 2019 Japanese beetles may skeletonize plant leaves; control pests by hand picking. The Editors, Good Housekeeping, 20 Aug. 2018 Adults skeletonize leaves, chew flowers, and may completely defoliate plants while larvae feed on lawn and garden plant roots. The Editors, Good Housekeeping, 10 July 2018
Hannah Elliott, Bloomberg.com, 23 Dec. 2019 Japanese beetles may skeletonize plant leaves; control pests by hand picking. The Editors, Good Housekeeping, 20 Aug. 2018 Adults skeletonize leaves, chew flowers, and may completely defoliate plants while larvae feed on lawn and garden plant roots. The Editors, Good Housekeeping, 10 July 2018 Word History
First Known Use
1644, in the meaning defined above