axial skeleton

noun

: the skeleton of the trunk and head

Example Sentences

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 example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'axial skeleton.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of axial skeleton was in 1856

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Axial skeleton.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/axial%20skeleton. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

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