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 (exoskeleton ).

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endoskeleton British  

/ ˌɛndəʊˈskɛlɪtən /

noun

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

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endoskeleton Scientific  

/ ĕn′dō-skĕl′ĭ-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

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Other Word Forms

• endoskeletal adjective

Etymology

Origin of endoskeleton

First recorded in 1830–40; endo- + skeleton

Compare meaning

How does endoskeleton compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• endoskeleton vs. exoskeleton

Example Sentences

Bone, or osseous tissue, is a connective tissue that constitutes the endoskeleton.

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