/ ˈskelɪtn; NAmE / noun
1.
the structure of bones that supports the body of a person or an animal; a model of this structure :
The human skeleton consists of 206 bones.
a dinosaur skeleton
2.
( informal ) a very thin person or animal
3.
[ usually sing. ] the main structure that supports a building, etc.
SYN framework :
Only the concrete skeleton of the factory remained.
4.
[ usually sing. ] the basic outline of a plan, piece of writing, etc. to which more details can be added later :
Examples were used to flesh out the skeleton of the argument.
5.
skeleton staff, crew, etc. the smallest number of people, etc. that you need to do sth :
There will only be a skeleton staff on duty over the holiday.
We managed to operate a skeleton bus service during the strike.
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IDIOMS
- a skeleton in the cupboard
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WORD ORIGIN
late 16th cent.: modern Latin , from Greek , neuter of skeletos dried up, from skellein dry up.