skeletal

adjective

skel·​e·​tal ˈske-lə-tᵊl How to pronounce skeletal (audio)
: of, relating to, forming, attached to, or resembling a skeleton
skeletally adverb

Examples of skeletal in a Sentence

The archaeologist found skeletal remains. She was skeletal after her illness.
Recent Examples on the Web When skeletal remains surfaced in Bellaghy bog in 2023, the discovery was shaded with a discomforting question: Was this an archaeological site, or a crime scene? Megan Specia, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2024 His skeletal remains were found 36 years ago in a remote wooded area in Michigan's Upper Peninsula with no identification, no definitive cause of death and no match to any missing persons reports. Jennifer Dixon, Detroit Free Press, 5 Mar. 2024 The results of the study challenge the idea that the speed of skeletal movement in vertebrates is limited by muscle movement, the museum said. Jennifer Rodriguez, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2024 Years of moisture and bacteria contamination had ate into the integrity of the skeletal remains. David Montesino, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Jan. 2024 In 2015, the researchers published a study detailing their analysis of skeletal trauma using modern forensic techniques, which confirmed the king’s violent death on Aug. 22, 1485, at the Battle of Bosworth Field. Leslie Katz, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 The team hopes further analysis of the skeletons confirmed to have Down syndrome could identify a set of common skeletal qualities for individuals with the condition, which scientists can use to diagnose future cases when DNA can’t be recovered from bones. Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Feb. 2024 On Sunday the Euphoria star—who plays a desert alien warrior princess in the sci-fi blockbuster—graced the red carpet in yet another midriff-baring press tour serve: a cream-colored gown with a large skeletal cutout from Stéphane Rolland Couture. Hanna Lustig, Glamour, 26 Feb. 2024 Her entire body, in skeletal form, was discovered underneath the grave, as well as pieces from a black curly wig, according to Oregon State Police. Juliana Kim, NPR, 25 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'skeletal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of skeletal was in 1854

Dictionary Entries Near skeletal

Cite this Entry

“Skeletal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skeletal. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

skeletal

adjective
skel·​e·​tal ˈskel-ət-ᵊl How to pronounce skeletal (audio)
: of, relating or attached to, forming, or resembling a skeleton
skeletal muscles
the skeletal system

Medical Definition

skeletal

adjective
skel·​e·​tal
ˈskel-ət-ᵊl, British sometimes ske-ˈlēt-ᵊl
: of, relating to, forming, attached to, or resembling a skeleton
skeletal structures
the skeletal system

More from Merriam-Webster on skeletal

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