Bones: meaning, definitions and examples

Used colloquially to refer to the central or most important parts of something, often in an idiomatic sense.

• They stripped the company to its bare bones.
• Let's get down to the bones of the issue.

Refers specifically to the complete set of bones within a body. It is also used metaphorically to describe something's basic structure or essential parts. This sometimes includes a slight negative connotation when referring to 'skeletons in the closet'.

• The museum displayed the skeleton of a dinosaur.
• The proposal was just a skeleton of the final project.

Used to describe a structural plan or basis of something, including systems, theories, or organizations. Common in technical, academic, or organizational settings.

• The legal framework of the new policy will be finalized soon.
• We need a solid framework to build this application on.

Used in a broad sense to refer to the overall arrangement or organization of parts in a whole. Common in both physical and abstract contexts.

• The bridge's structure was reinforced to ensure safety.
• The organization needs a better management structure.

Commonly used to refer to skeletal remains in a non-specific way.

• The archaeologists discovered ancient human bones at the excavation site.

Usually refers to the dead body of an animal or, less commonly, a disrespected or decaying human body. Has a slightly more negative or crude connotation.

• The vultures were attracted to the deer carcass by the side of the road.
• The old building is just a carcass of its former self.

Used to describe the complete structure of bones in a body, typically in a biological or anatomical context. Can also be used metaphorically to describe the basic framework of something.

• The science class studied the human skeleton to learn about the bones.
• The blueprint provided a skeleton structure of the new building design.

Often used in a more respectful or formal context when referring to the dead body, especially of a human. Can also be used in a broader sense to refer to what is left of something once it has been destroyed or decomposed.

• The remains of the ancient civilization were scattered across the site.
• The soldiers recovered the remains of their fallen comrades.