skeletal

adjective

skel·​e·​tal ˈske-lə-tᵊl 

: of, relating to, forming, attached to, or resembling a skeleton

skeletally

ˈske-lə-tᵊl-ē 

adverb

Synonyms

• cadaverous
• emaciated
• gaunt
• haggard
• wasted

Examples of skeletal in a Sentence

The archaeologist found skeletal remains.

She was skeletal after her illness.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Celts conducted the cremation rite with great skill, which is why only small fragments of skeletal remains have been preserved at the site. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2024

The skeletal remains of both species have been found at the site. —Katie Hunt, CNN, 28 Nov. 2024

For the skeletal remains found inside the vase in Honolulu, for example, forensic pathologists could not identify an age range, gender, height, weight or year of death - only that the person was still an adolescent. —CBS News, 27 Nov. 2024

Police in Troy, N.Y. announced Thursday that skeletal remains found near a pond last month belong to a woman who went missing in 2013. —David Matthews, New York Daily News, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing skeletal

• skeletal muscle

Kids Definition

skeletal

adjective

skel·​e·​tal ˈskel-ət-ᵊl 

: 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