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Definition of skeletal

skeletal

/ˈskɛl.ə.təl/
skel · e · tal
Adverb:skeletally
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skeletal Lexical Profile

skeletal Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Relating to, forming, or functioning as a skeleton or bony framework.

Example

"Regular weight-bearing exercise helps maintain strong skeletal health as people age."

2

Extremely thin or emaciated, as if reduced to skin and bones.

Example

"After weeks of illness, the stray dog looked frail and skeletal."

3

Existing only in outline or reduced to the barest essential structure or minimum.

Example

"The committee presented a skeletal outline of the budget before drafting the full proposal."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for skeletal

• Nearby Words

skeeter
skeevy
skeezix
skeletal
skeleton
skeletonlike
skeptic

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-19th century from 'skeleton' plus the suffix '-al', ultimately tracing back to the Ancient Greek 'skeleton (soma)', meaning 'dried-up (body)' or 'mummy', from the verb 'skellein' ('to dry up' or 'parch').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Skeletal. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/skeletal
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