skeleton
UK[ˈskelɪtn]US[ˈskelɪtn]
n
The structure of bones that supports the body of a person or an animal.
n
The basic structure or outline of something, such as a plan or a building.
Morpheme Breakdown
skele
ton
skele
dried-up body
ton
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'skeleton' has a vivid and somewhat macabre origin in ancient Greek. It derives from 'skeletos', an adjective meaning 'dried-up' or 'withered', which itself comes from the verb 'skellein', 'to dry up or parch'. This term was used to describe a mummy or a desiccated corpse. Over time, the meaning shifted from the entire dried body to specifically its enduring bony framework. The logical progression is clear: the concept moved from a literal dried body to the essential, rigid structure that remains after the flesh is gone, eventually extending metaphorically to any supporting framework or outline.
Analysis
Structure: skele (dried-up body) + ton (noun suffix)
'skele' originates from the Greek 'skeletos', meaning 'dried-up' or 'mummy'. 'ton' is a common noun-forming suffix in English, adapted from the Greek '-on'.
Examples
The museum displayed the skeleton of a dinosaur.
We agreed on the skeleton of the proposal but need to fill in the details.
Only the concrete skeleton of the building was completed before funding stopped.