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).

Nearby words

Origin of exoskeleton

First recorded in 1840–50; exo- + skeleton

Related formsex·o·skel·e·tal, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for exoskeleton

The exoskeleton in Brazil was described as “mind-controlled,” but it is important to understand exactly what that means.
The Bionic Exoskeleton Helping Paraplegics Walk|Dr. Anand Veeravagu, MD|June 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A key concept with an exoskeleton is that it restores control to the user.
The Bionic Exoskeleton Helping Paraplegics Walk|Dr. Anand Veeravagu, MD|June 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Another strategy to restore walking is to use an exoskeleton.
Electric Stimulation and Rigorous Physical Therapy Show Promise for Paralysis Patients|Dr. Anand Veeravagu, MD, Tej Azad|April 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The exoskeleton both epidermal and dermal is exceedingly well developed in reptiles.
The Vertebrate Skeleton|Sidney H. Reynolds

This exoskeleton differs from the main or axial skeleton of the higher animals, the latter being inside of the body.
A Civic Biology|George William Hunter
This order includes a number of extinct marine reptiles, devoid of an exoskeleton.
The Vertebrate Skeleton|Sidney H. Reynolds
The exoskeleton, at any rate in most living forms, is very slightly developed in Amphibia.
The Vertebrate Skeleton|Sidney H. Reynolds
The hard covering of the skin, when present, is known as the exoskeleton, or outer skeleton.
A Guide to the Study of Fishes, Volume 1 (of 2)|David Starr Jordan

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 arthropodsCompare endoskeleton

Derived Formsexoskeletal, 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

Word Origin and History for exoskeleton

exoskeleton

1847, from exo- + skeleton. Introduced by English anatomist Sir Richard Owen (1804-1892).

Medicine 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.

Science 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.