exoskeleton

[ ek-soh-skel-i-tn ]
/ ˌɛk soʊˈskɛl ɪ tn /

noun Zoology.

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

Origin of exoskeleton

First recorded in 1840–50; exo- + skeleton

OTHER WORDS FROM exoskeleton

ex·o·skel·e·tal, adjective

Words nearby exoskeleton

exorcism, exorcist, exorcize, exordium, exoserosis, exoskeleton, exosmosis, exosphere, exospore, exosporium, exostosis

Example sentences from the Web for exoskeleton

British Dictionary definitions for exoskeleton

exoskeleton
/ (ˌɛksəʊˈskɛlɪtən) /

noun

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

Derived forms of exoskeleton

exoskeletal, adjective

Medical definitions for exoskeleton

exoskeleton
[ ĕk′sō-skĕl′ĭ-tn ]

n.

All hard parts, such as hair, teeth, and nails, that develop from the ectoderm or mesoderm in vertebrates.
A hard outer structure, such as the shell of an insect, that provides protection or support for an organism.

Scientific definitions for exoskeleton

exoskeleton
[ ĕk′sō-skĕl′ĭ-tn ]

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. Compare endoskeleton.