skeleton

A noun referring to the internal framework of bones and cartilage that supports the body of an animal, or metaphorically to the basic structure of something, a minimal form, or a hidden secret.

ruСуществительное, обозначающее внутренний каркас из костей и хрящей, поддерживающий тело животного, или метафорически — базовую структуру чего-либо, минимальную форму или скрытый секрет.esSustantivo que designa el armazón interno de huesos y cartílagos que sostiene el cuerpo de un animal, o, en sentido figurado, la estructura básica de algo, su forma mínima o un secreto oculto.frNom désignant la charpente interne d'os et de cartilage qui soutient le corps d'un animal, ou, par métaphore, la structure de base d'une chose, sa forme minimale ou un secret caché.deSubstantiv, das das innere Gerüst aus Knochen und Knorpel bezeichnet, das den Körper eines Tieres stützt, oder metaphorisch die Grundstruktur von etwas, die Minimalform oder ein verborgenes Geheimnis.ptSubstantivo que designa a estrutura interna de ossos e cartilagens que sustenta o corpo de um animal, ou, metaforicamente, a estrutura básica de algo, sua forma mínima ou um segredo oculto.zh指人或动物体内由骨骼和软骨构成的支架，支撑身体；也比喻事物的基本框架、最简形式或隐藏的秘密。arاسم يشير إلى الهيكل العظمي الذي يتكون من العظام والغضاريف ويدعم جسم الحيوان، ويُستعمل مجازًا للدلالة على البنية الأساسية أو الشكل الأدنى لشيء ما أو السرّ الخفي.

1. Bony framework of the body A2 formal scientific

   The internal structure of bones and cartilage that supports the body of a human or animal.

   • The human skeleton consists of over 200 bones.
   • Archaeologists discovered a dinosaur skeleton in the desert.
   • The skeleton provides protection for vital organs like the brain and heart.

   ruСкелетesesqueletofrSquelettedeSkelettptEsqueletozh骨骼arالهيكل العظمي

   Synonyms: endoskeletonframeframework

2. Basic framework or outline B2 formal

   The essential, minimal structure or outline of something, such as a plan, story, or building.

   • The architect presented the skeleton of the new building design.
   • We have the skeleton of the report ready, but it needs more details.
   • The skeleton of the plot was clear, but the characters needed development.

   ruОсноваesEsqueleto (estructura básica)frStructure de base ou plandeGrundgerüstptEstrutura básicazh框架arالهيكل الأساسي

   Synonyms: bare bonesdraftframeframeworkoutlinescaffoldshellsketchstructure

3. Hidden secret or scandal B2 informal

   A shameful or embarrassing fact about someone that they try to keep hidden from others.

   • Every family has a skeleton in the closet.
   • The politician's campaign was ruined when his skeleton was exposed.
   • She was afraid that her past skeleton would come to light.

   ruСкелет в шкафуesSecreto vergonzosofrSquelette dans le placarddeLeiche im KellerptEsqueleto no armáriozh家丑arهيكل في الخزانة

   Synonyms: scandalsecret

4. Supporting structure of an object B1 formal technical

   The internal framework that gives shape and support to an artificial object, like a building or ship.

   • The steel skeleton of the skyscraper was completed first.
   • The ship's skeleton was built from strong oak timbers.
   • The skeleton of the tent was made of lightweight aluminum poles.

   ruКаркасesEstructura de soporte de un objetofrStructure portante d'un objetdeGerüstptEstrutura de sustentaçãozh骨架arالهيكل

   Synonyms: armaturecarcasschassisframeframeworkstructuresubstructure

• skeletons plural form
• skeletons' possessive plural form
• skeleton's possessive singular form