Anatomy, Zoology . the bones of a human or an animal considered as a whole, together forming the framework of the body.

any of various structures forming a rigid framework in an invertebrate.

an emaciated person or animal.

a supporting framework, as of a leaf, building, or ship.

an outline, as of a literary work

the skeleton of the plot.

something reduced to its essential parts.

of or pertaining to a skeleton.

like or being a mere framework; reduced to the essential or minimal parts or numbers

a skeleton staff.

skeleton at the feast

a person or thing that casts gloom over a joyful occasion; a note or reminder of sorrow in the midst of joy.

skeleton in the closet or cupboard

a family scandal that is concealed to avoid public disgrace.

any embarrassing, shameful, or damaging secret.

noun

carcass

noun

bones , bony structure , cage , design , draft , frame , framework , osteology , outline , scaffolding , sketch , support , rough , armature , cadre , coral , nucleus , past , shell