skel·e·ton /ˈskɛlətṇ/
 骨骼,瘦如柴的人,梗概,骨幹,脈絡(a.)概略的,基層的,家庭祕密的,骨乾的


 skel·e·ton /ˈskɛlətṇ/ 名詞
 骨架,骨骼


 skeleton
 骨架


 skeleton
 骨架


 Skel·e·ton n.
 1. Anat. (a) The bony and cartilaginous framework which supports the soft parts of a vertebrate animal.
 Note: [See Illust. of the Human Skeleton, in Appendix.] (b) The more or less firm or hardened framework of an invertebrate animal.
 Note: ☞ In a wider sense, the skeleton includes the whole connective-tissue framework with the integument and its appendages. See Endoskeleton, and Exoskeleton.
 2. Hence, figuratively: (a) A very thin or lean person. (b) The framework of anything; the principal parts that support the rest, but without the appendages.
    The great skeleton of the world.   --Sir M. Hale.
 (c) The heads and outline of a literary production, especially of a sermon.


 Skel·e·ton, a. Consisting of, or resembling, a skeleton; consisting merely of the framework or outlines; having only certain leading features of anything; as, a skeleton sermon; a skeleton crystal.
 Skeleton bill, a bill or draft made out in blank as to the amount or payee, but signed by the acceptor. [Eng.]
 Skeleton key, a key with nearly the whole substance of the web filed away, to adapt it to avoid the wards of a lock; a master key; -- used for opening locks to which it has not been especially fitted.
 Skeleton leaf, a leaf from which the pulpy part has been removed by chemical means, the fibrous part alone remaining.
 Skeleton proof, a proof of a print or engraving, with the inscription outlined in hair strokes only, such proofs being taken before the engraving is finished.
 Skeleton regiment, a regiment which has its complement of officers, but in which there are few enlisted men.
 Skeleton shrimp Zool., a small crustacean of the genus Caprella. See Illust. under Laemodipoda.

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 Skull, n.
 1. Anat. The skeleton of the head of a vertebrate animal, including the brain case, or cranium, and the bones and cartilages of the face and mouth. See Illusts. of Carnivora, of Facial angles under Facial, and of Skeleton, in Appendix.
 Note: ☞ In many fishes the skull is almost wholly cartilaginous but in the higher vertebrates it is more or less completely ossified, several bones are developed in the face, and the cranium is made up, wholly or partially, of bony plates arranged in three segments, the frontal, parietal, and occipital, and usually closely united in the adult.
 2. The head or brain; the seat of intelligence; mind.
    Skulls that can not teach, and will not learn.   --Cowper.
 3. A covering for the head; a skullcap. [Obs. & R.]
    Let me put on my skull first.   --Beau. & Fl.
 4. A sort of oar. See Scull.
 Skull and crossbones, a symbol of death. See Crossbones.

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 skeleton
      n 1: something reduced to its minimal form; "the battalion was a
           mere skeleton of its former self"; "the bare skeleton of
           a novel"
      2: a scandal that is kept secret; "there must be a skeleton
         somewhere in that family's closet" [syn: {skeleton in the
         closet, skeleton in the cupboard]
      3: the hard structure (bones and cartilages) that provides a
         frame for the body of an animal [syn: skeletal system, frame,
          systema skeletale]
      4: the internal supporting structure that gives an artifact its
         shape; "the building has a steel skeleton" [syn: {skeletal
         frame, frame, underframe]