What does "bare bones" mean?

The essential elements of something; the minimum viable set of elements; especially when they are described without going into detail.

What is a synonym for "bare bones"?

Common synonyms include: skeletal remains.

noun

noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Noun

1
The essential elements of something; the minimum viable set of elements; especially when they are described without going into detail. plural, plural-only
"He had only been taught the bare bones of the system, but carried on regardless."
2
(plural) the most basic facts or elements wordnet

"He had only been taught the bare bones of the system, but carried on regardless."

By metaphor with the skeleton versus the whole body including the flesh.