[skel.e.ton] n [NL, fr. Gk, neut. of skeletos dried up; akin to Gk skellein to dry up, skleros hard and perh. to OE sceald shallow] (1578) 1: a usu. rigid supportive or protective structure or framework of an organism; esp: the bony or more or less cartilaginous framework supporting the soft tissues and protecting the internal organs of a vertebrate
2: something reduced to its minimum form or essential parts
3: an emaciated person or animal
4. a: something forming a structural framework b: the straight or branched chain or ring of atoms that forms the basic structure of an organic molecule
5: something shameful and kept secret (as in a family)--often used in the phrase skeleton in the closet -- ske.le.ton.ic adj
[2]skeleton adj (1778): of, consisting of, or resembling a skeleton