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

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

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“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.”

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The Syrian dictator's legacy is embedded in the soil here - skeletal remains where crops should be.

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At the site, researchers uncovered more than 300 skeletal fragments belonging to a single straight-tusked elephant, Palaeoloxodon, along with over 500 stone tools.

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Dubbed "Little Miss Nobody", Karen had not been seen for eight years when her skeletal remains, wrapped in a carpet, were uncovered by two unsuspecting builders in Cardiff city centre on 7 December 1989.

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Related Words

• bony 
• emaciated