Which of the following best describes the term 'carcass'?

The term 'carcass' specifically refers to the dead body of an animal that is prepared for processing into meat. This definition encompasses not just the physical form but also implies that the animal has reached a stage where it can be processed for consumption. It is a critical term in the meat industry, particularly in contexts such as slaughtering, butchering, and meat production, as it signifies the actual body from which various cuts of meat will be derived.

The other options do not capture this precise definition. Processed meat available in stores refers to a product that has already undergone cooking or preservation, while the skeletal structure pertains to just the bones of the animal. The remaining parts after butchering may imply leftover elements, but it does not specifically denote the entirety of the animal in the context of meat production.