endoskeleton

[ en-doh-skel-i-tn ]

nounZoology.

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

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Origin of endoskeleton

First recorded in 1830–40; endo- + skeleton

Other words from endoskeleton

en·do·skel·e·tal, adjective

Words Nearby endoskeleton

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use endoskeleton in a sentence

This is contrasted with the human skeletal system, which is classified as an endoskeleton.
The Bionic Exoskeleton Helping Paraplegics Walk | Dr. Anand Veeravagu, MD | June 29, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Apparently have endoskeleton, but organization of the internal organs remains obscure.
The Native Soil | Alan Edward Nourse
These membrane bones are so intimately related to the true endoskeleton that they will be described with it.
The Vertebrate Skeleton | Sidney H. Reynolds
The various bones composing the endoskeleton are united to one another either by sutures or by movable joints.
The Vertebrate Skeleton | Sidney H. Reynolds
Bone is in many cases exoskeletal, but it will be most conveniently described with the endoskeleton.
The Vertebrate Skeleton | Sidney H. Reynolds

In general fish with a greatly developed dermal armour have the endoskeleton poorly developed; and the converse also holds good.
The Vertebrate Skeleton | Sidney H. Reynolds

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

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

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.

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