n. In anatomy, the dry bones of the body taken together; hence, in anatomy and zoology, some or any hard part, or the set of hard parts together, which form a support, scaffold, or framework of the body, sustaining, inclosing, or protecting soft parts or vital organs; connective tissue, especially when hard, as when fibrous, cuticular, corneous, cartilaginous, osseous, chitinous, calcareous, or silicious; an endoskeleton, exoskeleton, dermoskeleton, scleroskeleton, splanchnoskeleton, etc. (See these words.)n. The supporting framework of anything; the principal parts that support the rest, but without the appendages.n. An outline or rough draft of any kind; specifically, the outline of a literary performance: as, the skeleton of a sermon.n. Milit., a regiment whose numbers have become reduced by casualties, etc.n. A very lean or much emaciated person; a mere shadow of a man.n. In printing, an exceedingly thin or condensed form of light-faced type.Of or pertaining to a skeleton; in the form of a skeleton; skeletal; lean.Consisting of a mere framework, outline, or combination of supporting parts: as, a skeleton leaf; a skeleton crystal.To skeletonize.