sclerite

[ skleer-ahyt, skler- ]

noun

, Zoology.

1. any chitinous, calcareous, or similar hard part, plate, spicule, or the like.

sclerite

/ sklɪəˈrɪtɪk; ˈsklɪəraɪt /

noun

1. any of the hard chitinous plates that make up the exoskeleton of an arthropod
2. any calcareous or chitinous part, such as a spicule or plate

Derived Forms

• scleritic, adjective

Other Words From

• scle·rit·ic [skli-, rit, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sclerite¹

First recorded in 1860–65; scler- + -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of sclerite¹

C19: from sclero- + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

Its body was covered in external, hardened structures called sclerites, which are not found on modern entoprocts.

From BBC

Also unlike modern-day entoprocts, C. tylodes was covered with distinctive, scalelike features called sclerites—a hint, the scientists say, that such armor may have been more common among ancestral entoprocts than has been previously recognized.

From Science Magazine

At the base of the wing, i.e. its attachment to the trunk, we find a highly complex series of small sclerites adapted for the varied movements necessary for flight.

From Project Gutenberg

Prostigmata.—Integument soft, strengthened by special sclerites, those on the ventral surface of the prosoma apparently representing the basal segments of the legs embedded in the skin.

From Project Gutenberg

The most active form of larva found in this family resembles in shape that of a ladybird, tapering towards the tail end, and having the trunk segments protected by small firm sclerites.

From Project Gutenberg