skeletonize

verb

skel·​e·​ton·​ize ˈske-lə-tə-ˌnīz How to pronounce skeletonize (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Japanese beetles may skeletonize plant leaves; control pests by hand picking. The Editors, Good Housekeeping, 28 June 2022 To power the piece, Richard Mille developed a new, very compact automatic movement that is skeletonized for added pizzaz. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 24 Feb. 2023 The caterpillars will just skeletonize the leaves, causing the plant to die. Christie Wilcox, Discover Magazine, 16 July 2015 The larvae typically skeletonize the leaves and feed on the back causing defoliation plus dryness which actually leads to the plant’s death. Chandra Fleming, Detroit Free Press, 9 Nov. 2022 Next, Toledano had Harris Freedman, a Manhattan watchmaker, place the dial back in the watch, sand-blast the steel bracelet watch strap, and skeletonize, or hollow out, the hands before painting them black. Hannah Elliott, Bloomberg.com, 23 Dec. 2019 Adults skeletonize leaves, chew flowers, and may completely defoliate plants while larvae feed on lawn and garden plant roots. The Editors, Good Housekeeping, 10 July 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of skeletonize was in 1644

Dictionary Entries Near skeletonize

Cite this Entry

“Skeletonize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skeletonize. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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