skeletal

[skel-i-tl]

adjective

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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of skeletal¹

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

Example Sentences

“You have an instant fatality that leaves no marks on the skeletal remains. Unfortunately, the soft tissues that would show us what happened have decomposed in the past hundred years.”

Read more on Literature

Kennedy was guided below deck, where he broke down in tears, his body drained and aching, his six-foot-one frame wasted to a skeletal 110 pounds.

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The rise in sickness is being driven by a "surge" in mental health issues among young people and muscular skeletal issues, aches and joint pain in older people that is leading them to leave work.

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That humidity allows the bacteria to settle and grow on the piled-up skeletal remains.

Read more on Barron's

“So here, it’s all about building skeletal muscle mass — which helps with metabolism, bone density, regulating hormones, everything — and getting your back and posture strong so you can support yourself.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bony 
• emaciated