ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷t ə nˌīz verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
transitive verb
: to produce in or reduce to skeleton form or strength
skeletonize a leaf
as
a.
(1) : to produce or reproduce in brief outline
skeletonize the plot of a novel in one paragraph
(2) : to shorten (newspaper copy) for cable or headline purposes by eliminating nonessential words (as articles, personal pronouns)
b. : to reduce (as a regiment) to a number of men and officers far below the complement
machinery was put in motion to bring men home early for discharge, to start skeletonizing units — T.R.Phillips
c. : to break up for colors
intransitive verb
1. : to produce or reproduce something in skeleton form
2. : to become a skeleton or like a skeleton