skeletal

American  

[skel-i-tl] / ˈskɛl ɪ tl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or like a skeleton.

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Other Word Forms

• nonskeletal adjective
• nonskeletally adverb
• pseudoskeletal adjective
• skeletally adverb

Etymology

Origin of skeletal

First recorded in 1850–55; skelet(on) + -al ¹

Explanation

Use the adjective skeletal to describe anything that relates to a skeleton or anything without a lot of "flesh," like the skeletal remains of a bird or the skeletal outline of a paper that is missing all the details. If you're a scientist or a doctor, you may use the word skeletal mostly to talk about skeletons, but it also describes someone who is dangerously thin. A skeletal stray dog has probably been living on the streets for a long time. This word is also used figuratively to describe something that has not yet been "fleshed out" — like a skeletal staff or crew that operates without a lot of support. The root of skeletal is the Greek skeleton, "dried-up body, mummy, or skeleton."

Example Sentences

In earlier research, the same Leipzig team found that activating GPR133 with AP503 also improves skeletal muscle strength.

From Science Daily • Apr. 6, 2026

Now the creatures' skeletal remains appear to have been found in an Iron Age dig near Cordoba.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

But he is best known for his inimitable, Surrealist pictures featuring skeletal, architectonic figures—merging humans, animals, foliage, totems and signs—which, though indecipherable, are instantly recognizable.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 31, 2026

“I’ve got to get his skeletal structure because I think he’s, like, big boned,” Rams safety Quentin Lake said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 10, 2026

That explained the big crack in the asphalt under me and why my skeletal structure felt...rearranged.

From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda

Related Words

• bony
• emaciated