axial skeleton

American  

noun

Anatomy.

1. the skeleton of the head and trunk.

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axial skeleton British  

noun

1. the bones that together comprise the skull and the vertebral column

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Etymology

Origin of axial skeleton

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

"The female has a proportionally longer axial skeleton -- a longer neck and trunk -- and are more sloped in appearance, while the males are more vertical."

From Science Daily • Jun. 3, 2024

The researchers explained that, unlike our own hips where our bones fit tightly together, the connection between the pelvis and axial skeleton of Tiktaalik was likely a soft-tissue connection made of ligaments.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2024

In hours spent with Musk in engineering meetings or on factory floors, Isaacson said, “I was genuinely curious about, ‘OK, stainless steel for the axial skeleton of the Cybertruck?

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 12, 2023

The second portion, “Garfield County 2”, found in the same formation in 2013, contributed most of the axial skeleton as well as the pelvic region.

From Washington Times • Apr. 20, 2023

Belonging to the axis of the body; as, the axial skeleton; or to the axis of any appendage or organ; as, the axial bones.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (2nd 100 Pages) by Webster, Noah