SKELETON Meaning and
Definition
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A skeleton is a noun that refers to the rigid framework of bones in a vertebrate's body, providing support, protection, and shape for the organism. It serves as the internal structure that gives rigidity and stability to the body, allowing for movement and facilitating various physiological processes. The skeleton can be further divided into two main types: the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton.
The axial skeleton constitutes the central axis of the body and consists of the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage. It protects vital organs such as the brain, spinal cord, and heart.
The appendicular skeleton, on the other hand, comprises the bones of the limbs and their associated girdles, including the shoulder girdle and the pelvic girdle. It supports the attachment of muscles and aids in locomotion.
In addition to its structural role, the skeleton also functions as a reservoir for minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, helping to maintain the body's mineral balance. It also serves as the site of hematopoiesis, the production of blood cells.
Moreover, the term "skeleton" is occasionally used metaphorically to describe the bare or minimal structure or outline of something. In this context, it refers to the fundamental or essential components of an idea, plan, or concept, removing any extraneous or unnecessary details.
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1. The bony framework of the body in vertebrates (endoskeleton or neuroskeleton) or the hard outer envelope of insects (exoskeleton or dermoskeleton). 2. All the dry parts remaining after the destruction and removal of the soft parts; this includes ligaments and cartilages as well as bones. 3. All the bones of the body taken collectively.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• The bones of any animal dried and retained in their natural positions; the bones of an animal separate from its flesh; the outline or framework of anything; the heads or outline of a sermon or literary work; a person much emaciated.
• Consisting of mere framework; containing mere outlines or heads.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for SKELETON *
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Other Common Misspellings for SKELETON
Etymology of SKELETON
The word "skeleton" comes from the Greek word "skeletos", which means "dried up" or "dried body". It is derived from the verb "skellein", which means "to dry" or "to parch". In ancient Greek, the term was primarily used to refer to a mummy or a corpse that had lost its flesh and was left only with dried bones. Over time, the word "skeleton" came to be associated specifically with the internal framework of bones in humans and animals.
Idioms with the word SKELETON
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skeleton at the feast
The idiom "skeleton at the feast" refers to an uncomfortable or embarrassing issue or topic that disrupts an otherwise enjoyable or celebratory event. It implies that there is an unpleasant or troubling secret or problem that casts a shadow over the occasion or dampens the mood. Just like a literal skeleton amidst a festive feast would be a jarring and unpleasant sight, the idiom signifies the presence of something unsettling that cannot be ignored or forgotten.
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skeleton crew
The idiom "skeleton crew" refers to a minimal staff or workforce that is necessary to maintain basic operations or keep a business functioning in a reduced capacity. It usually implies that there are fewer people or resources available than required or desired, often during times of low activity or emergency situations.
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skeleton in the/your cupboard/closet
The idiom "skeleton in the/your cupboard/closet" refers to a hidden secret or shameful aspect of a person's past or present that they want to keep concealed from others. It signifies an embarrassing or damaging truth that, if revealed, could negatively impact one's reputation or relationships.
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skeleton in the closet
The idiom "skeleton in the closet" refers to a shameful or embarrassing secret about someone or something that is hidden or kept secret from the public eye. It symbolizes an unpleasant or uncomfortable truth that one wishes to keep concealed.
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a skeleton in the/your cupboard
The idiom "a skeleton in the/your cupboard" refers to a shameful or embarrassing secret from someone's past, especially something that could damage their reputation if revealed. It implies that the secret is hidden away but still has the potential to be discovered or disclosed, causing embarrassment or trouble.
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a skeleton in the/sb's closet
The idiom "a skeleton in the closet" refers to a secret or embarrassing fact about someone's past that they would prefer to keep hidden. It represents something shameful or scandalous that if revealed, could potentially harm the person's reputation or image.
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a skeleton in the closet
The idiom "a skeleton in the closet" refers to a shameful or embarrassing secret from one's past that is hidden or kept as a secret. It represents something unpleasant or scandalous that someone wants to conceal from others.
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skeleton in the/(one's) closet
The idiom "skeleton in the/(one's) closet" refers to a secret or embarrassing fact about someone that they wish to keep hidden from others. It represents a hidden aspect of a person's past or personality that, if revealed, could be damaging or cause embarrassment or shame.
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skeleton in (one's) closet
The idiom "skeleton in (one's) closet" refers to a shameful or embarrassing secret from a person's past that they would prefer to keep hidden or undisclosed. It implies that there is something unpleasant or disturbing in their history that they don't want others to know about.
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skeleton in the/(one's) cupboard
The idiom "skeleton in the/(one's) cupboard" refers to a hidden or secret negative aspect of someone's past or character. It can be used to describe an embarrassing, shameful, or scandalous detail that someone wishes to keep hidden from others. The phrase suggests that this hidden secret may have the potential to damage one's reputation or relationships if it were to be revealed.
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skeleton(s) in the closet
The idiom "skeleton(s) in the closet" refers to a secret, embarrassing, or shameful fact about a person or an organization that, if revealed, would cause harm or damage to their reputation. It signifies hidden or undisclosed information, often related to past mistakes, misdeeds, or unsavory aspects of a person's history or character.
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a skeleton in the cupboard
The idiom "a skeleton in the cupboard" is used to describe a hidden or embarrassing secret or problem that someone wants to keep hidden or secret. It refers to something from the past that is regarded as shameful or embarrassing and should not be revealed to others. It can also imply a feeling of guilt or unease associated with the secret.
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have (a) skeleton(s) in (one's)/the cupboard
The idiom "have (a) skeleton(s) in (one's)/the cupboard" means to have a hidden or shameful secret or embarrassing or unpleasant fact that one does not want to be exposed.
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have (a) skeleton(s) in (one's)/the closet
The idiom "have (a) skeleton(s) in (one's)/the closet" refers to someone having a secret or embarrassing issue from their past that they want to keep hidden from others. It can also refer to a person who has something in their past that could potentially harm or damage their reputation or relationships if it were to be brought to light.
Similar spelling words for SKELETON
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