Skeletal/ˈskelətl/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Biological Context Used in biology or medicine to talk about bones and body structures. She is studying the skeletal system of birds for her thesis. Pro Tip 2/3Physical Support 'Skeletal' indicates support like bones within a body. The building's design includes a skeletal steel frame. Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Literal Can refer metaphorically to supportive structures in various contexts. The book provides a skeletal overview of European history.