skeletal
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.relating to the skeleton or bones of a body.
adj.of, relating to, or forming a skeleton.
Simple“The doctor showed us a skeletal diagram to explain where the fracture was.”
In context“The skeletal structure of the blue whale is remarkably adapted for supporting its massive weight in a marine environment.”
UsageOften used in medical or biological contexts to describe systems like muscles or nerves.
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
adj.looking like a skeleton because of being very thin, often due to hunger or illness.
adj.resembling a skeleton; extremely thin, emaciated, or gaunt.
Simple“After weeks of being lost in the woods, the hiker looked skeletal.”
In context“The refugees arrived at the camp in a skeletal state, having survived on nothing but rainwater for several days.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
adj.containing only the most basic parts or facts, without any extra detail.
adj.reduced to the essential or minimal parts; lacking elaboration or detail.
Simple“The committee only provided a skeletal outline of the new policy.”
In context“The department was operating with a skeletal staff over the holiday period, handling only the most urgent enquiries.”
UsageCommonly collocates with 'staff', 'crew', 'outline', or 'plan'.
Antonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
n.a simple black-and-white drawing of an animal's bones used by artists.
n.a skeletal diagram, specifically a technical drawing of an extinct animal's skeleton used as a reference for paleoart.
Simple“The artist looked at a skeletal of the T-Rex before drawing the muscles.”
In context“Accurate paleoart relies heavily on the latest skeletal published by paleontologists to ensure the proportions are correct.”
Synonyms
Usage skeletal remains
From skeleton + -al.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.