Skeleton

usgb/ˈskelɪtn/
noun

The frame of bones that supports the human or animal body.

Human skeleton consists of 206 bones.
Visual representation of "skeleton" - The frame of bones that supports the human or animal body.

Often appears as...

  • human skeleton
  • animal skeleton
Definition 1 of 5
Visual representation of "skeleton"
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Anatomical Term

Refers to all the bones in a body, often used in education and science.

Illustration for Anatomical Term
Biology students study the human skeleton in detail.
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Not Always Complete

In conversation, 'skeleton' may mean a full set or just part of the bones.

Illustration for Not Always Complete
Archaeologists discovered a dinosaur skeleton missing its skull.
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Metaphorical Use

Used in expressions to refer to the most basic form of something.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
We will prepare a skeleton of the proposal for now.
Visual representation of the word "Skeleton"

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