What is the meaning of the word "skeleton"?

Definitions:

  1. a scandal that is kept secret copy to clipboard noun
    • there must be a skeleton somewhere in that family's closet copy to clipboard
  2. something reduced to its minimal form copy to clipboard noun
    • the battalion was a mere skeleton of its former self copy to clipboard
  3. the internal supporting structure that gives an artifact its shape copy to clipboard noun
    • the building has a steel skeleton copy to clipboard

Synonyms: