Skeletal vs. Skeleton — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 22, 2023
Skeletal refers to the structure or characteristics of bones, while skeleton is the internal framework of bones in a body or structure.
Difference Between Skeletal and Skeleton
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Skeletal and skeleton, while both related to bones, have distinct uses and meanings in English. The word skeletal is an adjective, typically describing something that relates to, or resembles, a skeleton. For instance, a "skeletal structure" refers to a basic framework of something, emphasizing its bare or essential form.
Conversely, skeleton is a noun. It specifically denotes the internal framework of bones that supports the body of humans and other vertebrates. When one mentions a "human skeleton," they are directly pointing to the collection of bones that make up the human body. In extended use, skeleton can refer to the minimal or basic form of something, like the "skeleton of a story" indicating a basic outline or plot.
Skeletal can also be used to depict something that is very thin or emaciated. For example, a "skeletal figure" could describe a person who is extremely skinny, almost to the point of appearing like bones only. On the other hand, the term "skeleton in the closet" using skeleton metaphorically, means a shameful secret from one's past.
Furthermore, skeletal has a broad application in various scientific contexts, especially in biology and anatomy. For instance, "skeletal muscle" refers to muscles attached to bones. The term skeleton, while also used in scientific contexts, can often be found in everyday language, referring to bones or basic structures.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective
Noun
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Description
Pertaining to or resembling a skeleton
The framework of bones in a body
Example Use
Descriptive term ("skeletal structure")
Specific entity ("human skeleton")
Extended Meaning
Can mean very thin or emaciated
Can refer to a basic form or structure of something
Common Phrases
"Skeletal remains", "skeletal muscle"
"Skeleton key", "skeleton in the closet"
Compare with Definitions
Skeletal
Very thin or emaciated.
The patient appeared skeletal after months of illness.
Skeleton
The bony framework of the body.
She studied the human skeleton in anatomy class.
Skeletal
Resembling a skeleton.
The old house's skeletal frame stood out.
Skeleton
A basic or essential part.
He had the skeleton of his novel but needed to flesh it out.
Skeletal
Of or like a skeleton in thinness or arrangement.
The skeletal branches of the tree cast eerie shadows.
Skeleton
A very thin or emaciated person or animal.
After his long illness, he was a mere skeleton.
Skeletal
Essential or basic in structure.
Only the skeletal outline of the project was done.
Skeleton
A supporting structure or framework.
The building's skeleton was made of steel.
Skeletal
Pertaining to bones.
The skeletal system is essential for support.
Skeleton
A skeleton is a structural frame that supports an animal body. There are several different skeletal types: the exoskeleton, which is the stable outer shell of an organism, the endoskeleton, which forms the support structure inside the body, the hydroskeleton, a flexible skeleton supported by fluid pressure, and the cytoskeleton present in the cytoplasm of all cells, including bacteria, and archaea.
Skeletal
Of, relating to, forming, or of the nature of a skeleton.
Skeleton
The internal structure that protects and supports the soft organs, tissues, and other parts of a vertebrate organism, and is composed of bone and cartilage or, in certain animals, cartilage alone.
Skeletal
Attached to or formed by a skeleton.
Skeleton
The hard external structure that supports, protects, or contains the body of many invertebrates, such as mollusks, crustaceans, and corals, and certain vertebrates, such as turtles.
Skeletal
So thin or emaciated as to appear bony.
Skeleton
A supporting structure or framework, as of a building.
Skeletal
Extremely basic or simplified
A skeletal description of the events.
Skeleton
An outline or sketch.
Skeletal
Of, or relating to the skeleton
Skeleton
Something reduced to its basic or minimal parts.
Skeletal
Haggard, cadaverous, emaciated or gaunt
Skeleton
One that is very thin or emaciated.
Skeletal
Barebones, lacking elaboration
Skeleton
A sport in which a person glides down an icy track head-first lying on one's stomach on a compact, simple sled that lacks steering or brakes.
Skeletal
Pertaining to the skeleton.
Skeleton
The sled used in such a sport.
Skeletal
Of or relating to or forming or attached to a skeleton;
The skeletal system
Skeletal bones
Skeletal muscles
Skeleton
Of, relating to, or resembling a skeleton.
Skeletal
Very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold;
Emaciated bony hands
A nightmare population of gaunt men and skeletal boys
Eyes were haggard and cavernous
Small pinched faces
Kept life in his wasted frame only by grim concentration
Skeleton
Reduced to the basic or minimal parts or members
A skeleton crew.
Skeleton
Of or relating to the sport of skeleton.
Skeleton
(anatomy) The system that provides support to an organism, internal and made up of bones and cartilage in vertebrates, external in some other animals.
Skeleton
An anthropomorphic representation of a skeleton.
She dressed up as a skeleton for Halloween.
Skeleton
(figuratively) A very thin person.
She lost so much weight while she was ill that she became a skeleton.
Skeleton
(figuratively) The central core of something that gives shape to the entire structure.
The skeleton of the organisation is essentially the same as it was ten years ago, but many new faces have come and gone.
Skeleton
(architecture) A frame that provides support to a building or other construction.
Skeleton
A client-helper procedure that communicates with a stub.
In remote method invocation, the client helper is a ‘stub’ and the service helper is a ‘skeleton’.
Skeleton
(geometry) The vertices and edges of a polyhedron, taken collectively.
Skeleton
(printing) A very thin form of light-faced type.
Skeleton
Reduced to a minimum or bare essentials.
Skeleton
(botany) The network of veins in a leaf.
Skeleton
A type of tobogganing in which competitors lie face down, and descend head first.
Skeleton
(archaic) To reduce to a skeleton; to skin; to skeletonize.
Skeleton
(archaic) To minimize.
Skeleton
The bony and cartilaginous framework which supports the soft parts of a vertebrate animal.
Skeleton
A very thin or lean person.
The great skeleton of the world.
Skeleton
The heads and outline of a literary production, especially of a sermon.
Skeleton
Consisting of, or resembling, a skeleton; consisting merely of the framework or outlines; having only certain leading features of anything; as, a skeleton sermon; a skeleton crystal.
Skeleton
Something reduced to its minimal form;
The battalion was a mere skeleton of its former self
The bare skeleton of a novel
Skeleton
A scandal that is kept secret;
There must be a skeleton somewhere in that family's closet
Skeleton
The hard structure (bones and cartilages) that provides a frame for the body of an animal
Skeleton
The internal supporting structure that gives an artifact its shape;
The building has a steel skeleton
Skeleton
A key fitting many locks.
He had a skeleton key to all the rooms in the hotel.
Common Curiosities
What does skeleton refer to in anatomy?
In anatomy, skeleton refers to the bony framework of the body.
Is skeletal a noun or adjective?
Skeletal is an adjective.
What might "skeleton in the closet" mean?
It's an idiom meaning a shameful or embarrassing secret.
Can you use skeleton to describe a very thin person?
Yes, referring to someone as a "skeleton" can mean they're very thin.
Can skeletal refer to something very thin?
Yes, something described as skeletal can mean it's very thin or emaciated.
Can skeleton mean a basic form of something?
Yes, it can refer to a basic or minimal structure or outline of something.
Is a "skeleton crew" a group of bones working together?
No, it's an idiom meaning the minimum number of staff needed to function.
Can skeletal refer to a basic framework?
Yes, skeletal can describe the essential or basic structure of something.
Is skeletal used only in medical contexts?
No, skeletal can be used in various contexts, not just medical.
How is skeletal muscle different from other muscles?
Skeletal muscle is attached to bones and helps with voluntary movements.
What does a "skeleton key" refer to?
A skeleton key is a key that can open many locks.
Does skeletal only relate to humans?
No, skeletal can relate to any vertebrate with a bony structure.
Which term, skeletal or skeleton, is used more in daily conversation?
"Skeleton" is probably used more frequently in everyday language.
Are all skeletons made of bone?
No, some organisms have exoskeletons made of materials other than bone, like chitin in insects.
What's a "skeletal outline"?
It refers to a basic or preliminary outline of something.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
