skeleton

6 definitions • 10 examples

the frame of bones supporting a human or animal body:

We found an old sheep skeleton up on the cliffs.

figurative Her long illness reduced her to a skeleton (= made her very thin).

the most basic form or structure of something:

The skeleton of my book is written/My book is in skeleton form - now I just have to add the details.

a small toboggan (= an object used for sliding over snow and ice) for one person, ridden with the person lying on their front with their head first:

She found herself riding the thin skeleton sled down a steep, ice-covered track at speeds as high as 80 mph.

the sport or event of using a skeleton to race down a track made of ice:

The skeleton has been one of the best events at the Winter Olympics for the Great Britain team.

He is a track athlete who also tried bobsleigh before switching to skeleton.

the frame of bones supporting a human or animal body:

We found a deer skeleton.

used to describe something in its most basic form:

His solicitor confirmed he had faxed a skeleton argument supporting his client's application for bail.

The rail company was hoping to run a skeleton service during the strike.

a skeleton crew/staff/workforce The company cut 10 jobs in their Hong Kong office, leaving only a skeleton staff.