Skeleton: meaning, definitions and examples

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skeleton

[ ˈskɛlɪtən ]

^{Context #1}

human anatomy

A skeleton is the structure formed by all the bones in a human or animal body. It provides support, protection, and facilitates movement.

Synonyms

bones, framework, structure

Examples of usage

The skeleton of a human consists of 206 bones.
The archaeologists discovered a dinosaur skeleton buried in the ground.

^{Context #2}

figurative

A skeleton can also refer to the essential framework of something, especially when it is bare or incomplete.

Synonyms

framework, outline, structure

Examples of usage

The basic skeleton of the project was ready, but details needed to be filled in.
The skeleton of the plan was outlined, awaiting further elaboration.

^{Context #3}

Halloween

In the context of Halloween, a skeleton is a popular symbol representing death or the supernatural.

Synonyms

bones, corpse, undead

Examples of usage

The children dressed up as skeletons for Halloween.
The spooky decorations included a life-size skeleton hanging from the ceiling.

Translations

Translations of the word "skeleton" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esqueleto

🇮🇳 कंकाल

🇩🇪 Skelett

🇮🇩 kerangka

🇺🇦 скелет

🇵🇱 szkielet

🇯🇵 骨格

🇫🇷 squelette

🇪🇸 esqueleto

🇹🇷 iskelet

🇰🇷 골격

🇸🇦 هيكل عظمي

🇨🇿 kostra

🇸🇰 kostra

🇨🇳 骨骼

🇸🇮 okostje

🇮🇸 beina

🇰🇿 скелет

🇬🇪 სქელეტი

🇦🇿 skelet

🇲🇽 esqueleto

Word origin

The word 'skeleton' originates from the Greek word 'skeletos', meaning dried up or withered. It has been used in English since the 16th century to refer to the bony framework of humans and animals. Over time, it has also gained figurative and symbolic meanings in various contexts.