exoskeleton

[ ek-soh-skel-i-tn ]

noun

, Zoology.

1. an external covering or integument, especially when hard, as the shells of crustaceans ( endoskeleton ).

exoskeleton

/ ˌɛksəʊˈskɛlɪtən /

noun

1. the protective or supporting structure covering the outside of the body of many animals, such as the thick cuticle of arthropods Compare endoskeleton

exoskeleton

/ ĕk′sō-skĕl′ĭ-tn /

1. A hard, protective outer body covering of an animal, such as an insect, crustacean, or mollusk. The exoskeletons of insects and crustaceans are largely made of chitin.
2. Compare endoskeleton

Derived Forms

• ˌexoˈskeletal, adjective

Other Words From

• exo·skele·tal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exoskeleton¹

First recorded in 1840–50; exo- + skeleton

Example Sentences

Diatomaceous earth, a powder made from fossilized diatoms, dries out the exoskeletons of roaches.

From Salon

An emerging area of future technology is motor augmentation -- using motorised wearable devices such as exoskeletons or extra robotic body parts to advance our motor capabilities beyond current biological limitations.

From Science Daily

Chitin is the primary building material both for the exoskeleton of insects and for the bristles of bristle worms such as the marine annelid worm Platynereis dumerilii.

From Science Daily

Prior work found that their exoskeletons are resilient to strikes, absorbing some of the impact like a punching bag.

From Science Daily

Once they hatch from eggs planted in trees, they burrow in the earth until they see the light again as adults and shed their exoskeletons.

From Seattle Times