skeleton

ˈske-lə-tən 3 syllables uncommon

  1. noun. 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

  2. noun. something reduced to its minimum form or essential parts

  3. noun. an emaciated person or animal

  4. adjective. of, consisting of, or resembling a skeleton

Source

Origin

New Latin, from Greek, neuter of skeletos dried up; akin to Greek skellein to dry up, sklēros hard and perhaps to Old English sceald shallow.

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2025