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

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.

Read more on BBC

Political figures didn’t want to just close every park outright, so they have kept many open with skeletal staffs and reduced services.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

She said Reggie was born with a number of health complications, including oesophageal atresia and skeletal dysplasia, meaning he will have to have both legs amputated.

Read more on BBC

The firestorms engulfed 59 square miles of Southern California — more than twice the size of Manhattan — transforming entire city blocks in Altadena and Pacific Palisades into corridors of ashes, twisted metal and skeletal trees.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The skeletal remains of a man who went missing six years ago were found by a walker in a secluded area in south Wales, an inquest has heard.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• bony 
• emaciated