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

Her skeletal remains were then discovered near the junction of two parkways in Queens on August 25, 1991, but her identity remained a mystery—until now. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024

Mary Sue Fink was identified a decade after her skeletal remains were found in Honolulu, Hawaii. —Cara Tabachnick, CBS News, 28 Dec. 2024

Colonial secrets and scandals A study of skeletal remains using new DNA analysis techniques shed light on the fate of family members of the first US president, George Washington, in March. —Cnn, The Mercury News, 25 Dec. 2024

Religion: Two skeletal remains of two saints are on display at Louisville's St. Martin of Tours, encased in illuminated glass tombs. —Ray Padilla, The Courier-Journal, 24 Dec. 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