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endoskeleton

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

noun

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


endoskeleton British  
/ ˌɛndəʊˈskɛlɪtən /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

endoskeleton Scientific  
/ ĕn′dō-skĕlĭ-tn /
  1. The internal supporting framework of humans and other vertebrates, usually made of bone. Certain invertebrates, such as sponges and echinoderms, also have endoskeletons.

  2. Compare exoskeleton


Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of endoskeleton

First recorded in 1830–40; endo- + skeleton

Compare meaning

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Vocabulary lists containing endoskeleton

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The human skeleton is an endoskeleton that consists of 206 bones in the adult.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Over several months, the artist has built three black scaffold structures 60 feet high, off the walls, like an endoskeleton.

From New York Times • Sep. 10, 2021

"I’ve got thick skin stretched over my metal endoskeleton, so I knew I could take it," he noted.

From Fox News • Aug. 13, 2021

Wrinkled and gray-haired, with a drooping face that seems designed for a spryer, thinner metal endoskeleton, Mr. Schwarzenegger, the no-longer-quite-so-muscle-bound action star, certainly looks the former.

From Washington Times • Jun. 30, 2015

The alien had an endoskeleton, but he also had a hide that was like somewhat leathery chitin.

From Anything You Can Do! by Garrett, Randall

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