skeletal

[ skel-i-tl ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or like a skeleton.

Other Words From

• skele·tal·ly adverb
• non·skele·tal adjective
• non·skele·tal·ly adverb
• pseudo·skele·tal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of skeletal¹

First recorded in 1850–55; skelet(on) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

For the past several months, coaches at EXOS training camp in Phoenix have used skeletal tracking software by Intel in a move that gives coaches and players ways to judge an athlete’s performance other than with their naked eyes.

From Washington Post

The material, massaged into a skeletal narrative by Michael Breslin and Patrick Foley, was handed over to a capable team including director Lucy Moss, orchestrator Macy Schmidt, music supervisor Daniel Mertzlufft and choreographer Ellenore Scott.

From Washington Post

Neandertals must have inherited those skeletal features rather than developing them as their bodies grew, says a team led by paleobiologist Daniel García-Martínez of the National Research Center on Human Evolution in Burgos, Spain.

From Science News

Exercise also affects blood vessels and blood flow, bone and skeletal structure, which combined are bound to impact mental processes.

From Singularity Hub 

A lot of Joyner’s research is about how physical activity increases blood flow to skeletal muscles.

From Freakonomics

Once emblematic of American military muscle, the outposts are now skeletal shells.

From The Daily Beast

What stories the skeletal remains of our century will tell remains to be seen.

From The Daily Beast

This is contrasted with the human skeletal system, which is classified as an endoskeleton.

From The Daily Beast

Rocket has a “cybernetic skeletal structure, enhanced phalange and metacarpal bones, and a genetically augmented cerebral cortex.”

From The Daily Beast

The Instamatic flashes etched cruel skeletal shadows on his sagging face.

From The Daily Beast

Their limbs were truly skeletal, and curiously I tugged the white robe from the strange insect body as I followed the prince.

From Project Gutenberg

Such are the appearances presented under the microscope by skeletal or striped muscles such as those of the larynx.

From Project Gutenberg

The muscular mechanisms used by the singer and speaker are of the skeletal variety.

From Project Gutenberg

A flat blade of metal transversed it, one side twisting into the ground where skeletal girders shown beneath ripped plating.

From Project Gutenberg

Iimmi started out first on the skeletal, twisted structure that descended to the glowing pit.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bony
• emaciated