skeletonize
Reduce to framework
Skeletonize means to reduce something to its skeleton or essential framework, stripping away flesh, covering, or nonessential elements.
In biology, certain insects skeletonize leaves by eating the soft tissue while leaving the veins intact.
The term extends to any process of reduction to bare bones: The editor skeletonized the manuscript, cutting it by half.
Military units may be skeletonized when reduced to minimal staffing levels.
Continues in place
- cadaverBody for dissection
- cryptSubterranean burial vault
- graveyardPlot for interring the dead
- cemeteryPlace for interring remains
exhume · mortuary · forensic · bones · grave · interment · mausoleum · necropolis
Had coverings removed
- bare-bonesReduced to essentials
- minimalistOne favoring bare essentials
- spartanRigorously simple, unadorned
- austereSeverely simple and unadorned
outline · streamline · reduce · abstract · distill · condense · pare down · boil down
Skeletal anatomy and arrangement
- osteologyScientific study of bones
- vertebraeInterlocking bones of spine
- femurUpper leg bone
- tibiaMain lower leg bone
skull · ribs · pelvis · clavicle · scapula · mandible · sternum · fibula
Plant's photosynthetic organ
- veinsBlood-return tubes
- venationArrangement of veins
- midribCentral vein of foliage
- herbariumPreserved plant specimen archive
pressed · dried · lacework · filigree · transparent · delicate · insect damage · autumn
Hard-winged insects
- macerateSoften in liquid
- articulateExpress clearly, or well-spoken
- preserveProtect from loss
- dissectCut open to examine
specimen · taxidermy · museum · curate · exhibit · conservation · excavate · paleontology
Gradual organic breakdown
- rotOrganic breakdown process
- putrefactionBacterial breakdown of tissue
- disintegrateBreak into fragments
- biodegradationMicrobial breakdown of organics
detritus · microbes · fungi · bacteria · earthworms · necrosis · molder · maggots
remains
Continues in place
cemetery · exhume · mortuary · forensic · bones · grave · interment · mausoleum · necropolis · ossuary
stripped
Had coverings removed
- bare-bonesReduced to essentials
- minimalistOne favoring bare essentials
- spartanRigorously simple, unadorned
austere · outline · streamline · reduce · abstract · distill · condense · pare down · boil down · essentialize
bone structure
Skeletal anatomy and arrangement
tibia · skull · ribs · pelvis · clavicle · scapula · mandible · sternum · fibula · radius
leaf
Plant's photosynthetic organ
herbarium · pressed · dried · lacework · filigree · transparent · delicate · insect damage · autumn · decay
beetles
Hard-winged insects
- macerateSoften in liquid
- articulateExpress clearly, or well-spoken
- preserveProtect from loss
dissect · specimen · taxidermy · museum · curate · exhibit · conservation · excavate · paleontology · archaeology
decay
Gradual organic breakdown
- rotOrganic breakdown process
- putrefactionBacterial breakdown of tissue
- disintegrateBreak into fragments
biodegradation · detritus · microbes · fungi · bacteria · earthworms · necrosis · molder · maggots · carrion