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musculoskeletal

American  
[muhs-kyuh-loh-skel-i-tl] / ˈmʌs kjə loʊˈskɛl ɪ tl /

adjective

  1. concerning, involving, or made up of both the muscles and the bones.

    the musculoskeletal system.


musculoskeletal British  
/ ˌmʌskjʊləʊˈskɛlɪtəl /

adjective

  1. of or relating to the skeleton and musculature taken together

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of musculoskeletal

First recorded in 1940–45; musculo- + skeletal

Vocabulary lists containing musculoskeletal

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Lilly had paid Boston-based Centrexion Therapeutics $47.5 million upfront for the exclusive worldwide rights to the drug, which was being developed for chronic inflammatory, neuropathic, and musculoskeletal pain.

From Barron's • Jun. 16, 2026

However, musculoskeletal radiologists performed significantly better than other subspecialists.

From Science Daily • Mar. 26, 2026

But then there are the problems with the musculoskeletal system, which, like other systems in the body, evolved to function with Earth’s gravity pulling down on it.

From Slate • Mar. 1, 2026

She said the patches helped relieve musculoskeletal and joint pain, night sweats, and brain fog.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 7, 2026

While physical health conditions, such as arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions are prevalent, in recent years large increases in mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, anxiety and depression, have driven the increase.

From BBC • Jun. 27, 2025

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