Thesaurus: skeleton

Related headwords

Definitions

1. n. The bony and cartilaginous framework which supports the soft parts of a vertebrate animal.
2. n. The more or less firm or hardened framework of an invertebrate animal.
3. n. A very thin or lean person.
4. n. The framework of anything; the principal parts that support the rest, but without the appendages.
5. n. The heads and outline of a literary production, especially of a sermon.
6. a. 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.
7. n. something reduced to its minimal form
8. n. a scandal that is kept secret
9. n. the hard structure (bones and cartilages) that provides a frame for the body of an animal
10. n. the internal supporting structure that gives an artifact its shape
11. 1. (Anat.) (a) The bony and cartilaginous framework which supports the soft parts of a vertebrate animal. Note: [See Illust. of the Human Skeleton, in Appendix.] (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. Sir M. Hale. (c) The heads and outline of a literary production, especially of a sermon. 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 (Zoöl.), a small crustacean of the genus Caprella. See Illust. under Læmodipoda.
12. Consisting of, or resembling, a skeleton; consisting merely ofthe framework or outlines; having only certain leading features ofanything; as, a skeleton sermon; a skeleton crystal. Skeleton bill, abill or draft made out in blank as to the amount or payee, but signedby the acceptor. [Eng.] -- Skeleton key, a key with nearly the wholesubstance of the web filed away, to adapt it to avoid the wards of alock; a master key; -- used for opening locks to which it has notbeen especially fitted.-- Skeleton leaf, a leaf from which the pulpy part has been removedby chemical means, the fibrous part alone remaining.-- Skeleton proof, a proof of a print or engraving, with theinscription outlined in hair strokes only, such proofs being takenbefore the engraving is finished.-- Skeleton regiment, a regiment which has its complement ofofficers, but in which there are few enlisted men.-- Skeleton shrimp (Zoöl.), a small crustacean of the genusCaprella. See Illust. under Læmodipoda.