skeletonize

verb

skel·​e·​ton·​ize ˈske-lə-tə-ˌnīz 

skeletonized; skeletonizing

transitive verb

: to produce in or reduce to skeleton form

skeletonize a leaf

Examples of skeletonize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adult beetles skeletonize leaves and flowers, while their larvae, or grubs, damage grass roots in the soil. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 6 July 2026

Authorities said that partial skeletonized remains were found on June 2, 1998, in the Hogsprings area near Ticaboo within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. — David Chiu, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026

Adult beetles skeletonize foliage, while their larvae, known as grubs, feed on grass roots, resulting in brown patches and dying lawns. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 June 2026

Japanese beetles also skeletonize the foliage of roses, hollyhocks, and ornamental trees. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for skeletonize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize