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Glite Dictionary
skeletal system

skeletal system

1 3.2
A group of bones and soft parts that support and protect the body
  • noun
  • /ˈskɛlɪtəl ˈsɪstəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : sistema esquelético
  • In children, the skeletal system is still developing, making it essential to ensure they get enough calcium.

Examples

  • The skeletal system - from close examination of our bones and muscles, we now know that the human body is, by design, made for movement.

    Blog text (29)

  • Vitamin D does not just play a role in strengthening the skeletal system; it also appears to play a role in reducing the risk of children getting acute respiratory infections.

    Blog text (24)

  • The science teacher could provide students with a basic knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology -- basic muscle groups, the skeletal system, and the cardiorespiratory system.

    Academic text (1992)

  • Bone-Protec is a highly advanced formula containing 11 specific active ingredients to help strengthen and protect your skeletal system, for improved posture, mobility, strength, reduced pain, and reduced risk of degenerative disease.

    Blog text (7)

  • The skeletal system provides structure and support to the body, allowing for movement and protecting vital organs.

  • Regular exercise helps to strengthen the skeletal system and maintain bone density as we age.

Synonyms

skeleton
vsskeletal system
114 2.3

A frame of bones and cartilage that supports a body

emphasizes support and protection rather than only providing shape
skeletal structure
vsskeletal system
  • Specialized
3 4.6

A set of bones that supports and gives shape to a person or animal

focuses on the framework's role in supporting and protecting the body
endoskeleton
vsskeletal system
  • Specialized
1 6.3

An internal frame of bone or cartilage that supports the body

applies to the body framework generally, not only internal forms

Surface Forms

skeletal system singular
skeletal systems plural

Morphology

skeletal + system

The meaning 'framework of bones and cartilages that supports and protects the body' is directly and transparently derived from 'skeletal' (pertaining to the skeleton) combined with 'system' (a set of cooperating parts). This is a standard compositional biomedical noun phrase with a cross-linguistically common logic, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Skeletal system comes from the words skeleton, the body's bones, and system, a connected group. Picture the bones as a house frame or scaffolding that holds and protects everything inside, so the phrase means 'the framework of bones that supports and protects the body'.