skeleton

Skeleton is the internal support for something or the most basic and essential part of something. (noun)

When there are only a few limited people working, just enough to keep the business open, this is an example of a skeleton crew.
The internal bone and cartilage structure that supports the body are an example of a skeleton.

See skeleton in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

the hard framework of an animal body, supporting the tissues and protecting the organs; specif., all the bones collectively, or the bony framework, of a human being or other vertebrate animal
anything like a skeleton in any of various ways
1. a very lean or emaciated person or animal
2. a supporting framework, as of a ship
3. an outline or preliminary sketch, as of a novel
4. the meager or devitalized remains of something

adjective

of or like a skeleton; specif., of, or having the nature of, the main or essential outline, framework, etc.: a skeleton plan
greatly reduced: a skeleton force

Related Forms:

See skeleton in American Heritage Dictionary 4

(skĕlˈĭ-tn)

noun

a. The internal structure composed of bone and cartilage that protects and supports the soft organs, tissues, and other parts of a vertebrate organism; endoskeleton.
b. The hard external supporting and protecting structure in many invertebrates, such as mollusks and crustaceans, and certain vertebrates, such as turtles; exoskeleton.
A supporting structure or framework, as of a building.
An outline or sketch.
Something reduced to its basic or minimal parts.
One that is very thin or emaciated.

adjective