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skeletonize

 - 2 dictionary results

skel⋅e⋅ton⋅ize

  [skel-i-tn-ahyz]
Use skeletonize in a Sentence
–verb (used with object), -ized, -iz⋅ing.
1. to reduce to a skeleton, outline, or framework.
2. to reduce in size or number, as a military unit.
3. to construct in outline.
Also, especially British, skel⋅e⋅ton⋅ise.

Origin:
1635–45; skeleton + -ize

Related forms:
skel⋅e⋅ton⋅i⋅za⋅tion, noun
skel⋅e⋅ton⋅iz⋅er, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To skeletonize
skel·e·ton·ize   (skěl'ĭ-tn-īz')   
tr.v.   skel·e·ton·ized, skel·e·ton·iz·ing, skel·e·ton·iz·es

  1. To reduce to skeleton form: "Carnivorous beetles ... can skeletonize a bat within hours" (Scientific American).

  2. To outline or sketch briefly.

  3. To reduce in size or number: skeletonized the hospital staff to cut costs.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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