Webster's English Dictionary

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skeleton

1. skel.e.ton \'skel-*t-*n\ n [NL, fr. Gk, neut. of skeletos dried up; akin 
   to Gk skellein to dry] up, skle-ros hard, OE sceald shallow 1: a usu. rigid 
   supportive or protective structure or framework of an organ ism; esp : the 
   bony or more or less cartilaginous framework supporting the soft tissues 
   and protecting the internal organs of a vertebrate (as a fish or man) 2: 
   something reduced to its minimum form or essential parts  3: an emaciated 
   person or animal  4: something forming a structural framework  5: something 
   shameful and kept secret (as in a family) 
2. skeleton aj : of, consisting of, or resembling a skeleton {a ~ hand} {a 
   (R@ crew} {~ essays}