skeleton
UK ['skel.ɪ.tən] US [-tˌən] noun countable
ADVANCED
■the frame of bones supporting a human or animal body 骨骼，骨架•We found an old sheep skeleton up on the cliffs.我们在悬崖上发现了一副老绵羊的骨架。 •figurative Her long illness reduced her to a skeleton (= made her very thin).长期的疾病使她瘦得只剩皮包骨了。 ■the most basic form or structure of something 框架；架构；梗概，纲要•The skeleton of my book is written/My book is in skeleton form - now I just have to add the details.我的书已经有了架构——现在我只需要添加细节了。
UK ['skel.ɪ.tən] US [-tˌən] noun countable
skeleton in the/ your cupboard/closet
■an embarrassing secret 丑事，隐情•Most families have one or two skeletons in the cupboard.大多数家庭都有一两件家丑。 |