endoskeleton

[ en-doh-skel-i-tn ]
/ ˌɛn doʊˈskɛl ɪ tn /

noun Zoology.

the internal skeleton or framework of the body of an animal (opposed to exoskeleton).

Origin of endoskeleton

First recorded in 1830–40; endo- + skeleton

OTHER WORDS FROM endoskeleton

en·do·skel·e·tal, adjective

Words nearby endoskeleton

endosarc, endoscope, endoscopic biopsy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, endoscopy, endoskeleton, endosmosis, endosome, endosonoscopy, endosperm, endospore

Example sentences from the Web for endoskeleton

British Dictionary definitions for endoskeleton

endoskeleton
/ (ˌɛndəʊˈskɛlɪtən) /

noun

the internal skeleton of an animal, esp the bony or cartilaginous skeleton of vertebrates Compare exoskeleton

Derived forms of endoskeleton

endoskeletal, adjective

Medical definitions for endoskeleton

endoskeleton
[ ĕn′dō-skĕl′ĭ-tn ]

n.

An internal supporting skeleton, derived from the mesoderm, that is characteristic of vertebrates and certain invertebrates.

Other words from endoskeleton

en′do•skel′e•tal (-ĭ-tl) adj.

Scientific definitions for endoskeleton

endoskeleton
[ ĕn′dō-skĕl′ĭ-tn ]

The internal supporting framework of humans and other vertebrates, usually made of bone. Certain invertebrates, such as sponges and echinoderms, also have endoskeletons. Compare exoskeleton.