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

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

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

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.