skeleton

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noun

skel·e·ton ˈske-lə-tən

: a usually rigid supportive or protective structure or framework of an organism

especially : the bony or more or less cartilaginous framework supporting the soft tissues and protecting the internal organs of a vertebrate

: something reduced to its minimum form or essential parts

: an emaciated person or animal

: something forming a structural framework

: the straight or branched chain or ring of atoms that forms the basic structure of an organic molecule

: something shameful and kept secret (as in a family)

—often used in the phrase skeleton in the closet

: a small sled that is ridden in a prone position and used especially in competition

also : the competition itself

skeletonic

adjective

skeleton

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: of, consisting of, or resembling a skeleton