skeleton

noun countable

UK /ˈskelɪt(ə)n/

Word Forms

singular	skeleton
plural	skeletons

1
the set of bones that supports a human or animal body, or a model of this
a dinosaur skeleton
He dug up some bones from a human skeleton.
Synonyms and related words
Bones and joints in the body
ankle
backbone
ball-and-socket joint
2
the basic parts of something such as a plan or organization without any details
a skeleton argument
Synonyms and related words
Important thing or detail
feature
priority
element
1. 2a
  legala skeleton argument
  Synonyms and related words
  Parts of trials
  affirmation
  appearance
  be on/under oath
3
a structure that supports something such as a building
Synonyms and related words
General words for buildings and structures
bhavan
block
build
4
informalan extremely thin person
Synonyms and related words
Words for people according to general shape
a fine figure of a man/woman
amazon
beanpole
5
(sport) a winter sport where one person rides a small sled down a frozen trackSubmitted from:
United Kingdom on 13/02/2014
Open Dictionary - February2014

phrases

skeleton in the cupboard/closet

skeleton staff/crew/service

skeleton ​‌