exoskeleton

American  

[ek-soh-skel-i-tn] / ˌɛk soʊˈskɛl ɪ tn /

noun

Zoology.

1. an external covering or integument, especially when hard, as the shells of crustaceans (endoskeleton ).

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exoskeleton British  

/ ˌɛksəʊˈskɛlɪtən /

noun

1. the protective or supporting structure covering the outside of the body of many animals, such as the thick cuticle of arthropods Compare endoskeleton

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exoskeleton Scientific  

/ ĕk′sō-skĕl′ĭ-tn /

1. 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.

2. Compare endoskeleton

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Other Word Forms

• exoskeletal adjective

Etymology

Origin of exoskeleton

First recorded in 1840–50; exo- + skeleton

Compare meaning

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

• endoskeleton vs. exoskeleton

Example Sentences

Other technologies that function as extensions of the body, including supernumerary robotic limbs, exoskeletons, and wearable robots, could also benefit from movement that mirrors natural human rhythm.

From Science Daily

Crushing insect exoskeletons may have helped early tetrapods develop the ability to handle tougher plant material.

From Science Daily

"This is the spider's most vulnerable region since other parts have a lot of chitin, which forms an exoskeleton difficult for the mites' fangs to penetrate," the researcher explains.

From Science Daily

“A mouse genetically modified with a hard exoskeleton that it can shed and leave anywhere!”

From Literature

“A legged battlefield robot or an exoskeleton suit relies on the same core technologies as a commercial humanoid, ruggedized for combat.”

From MarketWatch