skeleton

see definition of skeleton

nounstructure of bones in animate being or supports in an object

Synonyms for skeleton

noun structure of bones in animate being or supports in an object

Antonyms for skeleton

carcass

carcases

noun. dead body; framework, base structure

Word Origin & History

1570s, from Modern Latin sceleton "bones, bony framework of the body," from Greek skeleton soma "dried-up body, mummy, skeleton," from neuter of skeletos "dried-up" (also, as a noun, "dried body, mummy"), from skellein "dry up, make dry, parch," from PIE root *skele- "to parch, wither" (see sclero-).

Skelton was an early variant form. The noun use of Greek skeletos passed into Late Latin (sceletus), hence French squelette and rare English skelet (1560s), Spanish esqueleto, Italian scheletro. The meaning "bare outline" is first recorded c.1600; hence skeleton crew (1778), skeleton key, etc. Phrase skeleton in the closet "source of secret shame to a person or family" is from 1812.

Example Sentences for skeleton

The (hup)-seax has often been found in Saxon graves on the hip of the skeleton.

At least, we think the skeleton is mournful; the skeleton himself does not seem to think so.

Savants say that it is the skeleton of a female, probably a young girl.

Longfellow's Skeleton in Armor has revealed their temporary settlement.

Here is the skeleton of the Horse, and here the skeleton of the Dog.

In that skeleton there are a number of parts to be recognized.

And then she raised a skeleton claw, and grabbed her hair, and pointed to mine.

It is the skeleton, the structure of life, love, the cosmos.

But he had the sense not to act the part of a skeleton at the feast.

It was a skeleton, they said, only that it had a dry skin all over it.

skeleton

Synonyms for skeleton

Antonyms for skeleton

bodies

body

cadaver

carcases

carcass

skeleton

Synonyms for skeleton

Antonyms for skeleton

More words related to skeleton

bare bones

bodies

body

cadaver

carcases

carcass