axial skeleton

noun

: the skeleton of the trunk and head

Examples of axial skeleton in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web At this point, paleontologists have uncovered a large portion of the axial skeleton, including the trunk of the vertebrae and the ribs. Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 30 Aug. 2022 So far, pieces of the axial skeleton (a term that refers to a vertebrate’s head and trunk) have been removed from the site, including vertebrae and ribs. Ashley Stimpson, Popular Mechanics, 1 Sep. 2022 Your rib cage takes up nearly 50% of your axial skeleton. Dana Santas, CNN, 23 June 2021 Lucy's skeleton is represented by elements of her skull, upper limb, hand, axial skeleton, pelvis, lower limb and foot. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 15 July 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'axial skeleton.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of axial skeleton was in 1856

Dictionary Entries Near axial skeleton

Cite this Entry

“Axial skeleton.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/axial%20skeleton. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

axial skeleton

noun
: the skeleton of the trunk and head

More from Merriam-Webster on axial skeleton

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