skeleton — the framework of bones supporting a human or animal body
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the framework of bones supporting a human or animal body
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈskɛlɪtən/
Example Sentences
- The Halloween skeleton decoration scared the mailman so much he dropped all the letters.
- The project is still in its skeleton phase - we need to add more details.
- My grandmother's skeleton keys could open every door in the neighborhood, making her the unofficial locksmith.
skeleton
NOUN[/ˈskɛlɪtən/]
the framework of bones supporting a human or animal body
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Skeleton derives from Greek skeletos, meaning 'dried' or 'withered.' This term originated from the Greek verb skellein, meaning 'to dry up.' Ancient Greeks coined the word to describe the desiccated bones remaining after death, and this term has persisted through English usage to the present day.
Breakdown
skellein (to dry) + -etos (adjective suffix indicating a dried or withered state), forming skeletos, which was later Latinized to skeleton for English adoption.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The Halloween skeleton decoration scared the mailman so much he dropped all the letters.”
“The project is still in its skeleton phase - we need to add more details.”
“My grandmother's skeleton keys could open every door in the neighborhood, making her the unofficial locksmith.”
“The museum's dinosaur skeleton attracts thousands of visitors every year.”
📚Related Words
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