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Synonyms for skeleton

Grammar : Noun
Spell : skel-i-tn
Phonetic Transcription : ˈskɛl ɪ tn

Top 10 synonyms for skeleton
Other synonyms for the word skeleton

Définition of skeleton

Origin :
  • 1570s, from Modern Latin sceleton "bones, bony framework of the body," from Greek skeleton soma "dried-up body, mummy, skeleton," from neuter of skeletos "dried-up" (also, as a noun, "dried body, mummy"), from skellein "dry up, make dry, parch," from PIE root *skele- "to parch, wither" (see sclero-).
  • Skelton was an early variant form. The noun use of Greek skeletos passed into Late Latin (sceletus), hence French squelette and rare English skelet (1560s), Spanish esqueleto, Italian scheletro. The meaning "bare outline" is first recorded c.1600; hence skeleton crew (1778), skeleton key, etc. Phrase skeleton in the closet "source of secret shame to a person or family" is from 1812.
  • noun structure of bones in animate being or supports in an object
Example sentences :
  • The (hup)-seax has often been found in Saxon graves on the hip of the skeleton.
  • Extract from : « Beowulf » by Unknown
  • At least, we think the skeleton is mournful; the skeleton himself does not seem to think so.
  • Extract from : « Alarms and Discursions » by G. K. Chesterton
  • Savants say that it is the skeleton of a female, probably a young girl.
  • Extract from : « The Three Cities Trilogy, Complete » by Emile Zola
  • Longfellow's Skeleton in Armor has revealed their temporary settlement.
  • Extract from : « The Bay State Monthly, Vol. 1, Issue 1. » by Various
  • Here is the skeleton of the Horse, and here the skeleton of the Dog.
  • Extract from : « The Present Condition of Organic Nature » by Thomas H. Huxley
  • In that skeleton there are a number of parts to be recognized.
  • Extract from : « The Present Condition of Organic Nature » by Thomas H. Huxley
  • And then she raised a skeleton claw, and grabbed her hair, and pointed to mine.
  • Extract from : « Things as They Are » by Amy Wilson-Carmichael
  • It is the skeleton, the structure of life, love, the cosmos.
  • Extract from : « Melomaniacs » by James Huneker
  • But he had the sense not to act the part of a skeleton at the feast.
  • Extract from : « The Heart of Thunder Mountain » by Edfrid A. Bingham
  • It was a skeleton, they said, only that it had a dry skin all over it.
  • Extract from : « Astounding Stories of Super-Science April 1930 » by Various

Antonyms for skeleton

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019