skeletal

/ˈskɛlədl/

/ˈskɛlɪtəl/

Other forms: skeletally

Use the adjective skeletal to describe anything that relates to a skeleton or anything without a lot of "flesh," like the skeletal remains of a bird or the skeletal outline of a paper that is missing all the details.

If you're a scientist or a doctor, you may use the word skeletal mostly to talk about skeletons, but it also describes someone who is dangerously thin. A skeletal stray dog has probably been living on the streets for a long time. This word is also used figuratively to describe something that has not yet been "fleshed out" — like a skeletal staff or crew that operates without a lot of support. The root of skeletal is the Greek skeleton, "dried-up body, mummy, or skeleton."

Definitions of skeletal

1. adjective

   of or relating to or forming or attached to a skeleton
   “the skeletal system”

   “skeletal bones”

   “skeletal muscles”
2. adjective

   very thin, especially from disease or hunger or cold
   synonyms: bony, cadaverous, emaciated, gaunt, haggard, pinched, wasted

   lean, thin

   lacking excess flesh
3. adjective

   giving only major points; lacking completeness
   synonyms: sketchy, unelaborated

   incomplete, uncomplete

   not complete or total; not completed