exoskeleton

noun

exo·​skel·​e·​ton ˌek-sō-ˈske-lə-tən 

1

: an external supportive covering of an animal (such as an arthropod)

2

: bony or horny parts of a vertebrate produced from epidermal tissues

3

: an artificial external supporting structure

exoskeletal

ˌek-sō-ˈske-lə-tᵊl 

adjective

Examples of exoskeleton in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Professor Kyoung-Chul Kong from KAIST's Department of Mechanical Engineering has been working on exoskeletons for around a decade, with the first WalkON Suit being revealed in 2016. —Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 28 Oct. 2024

For years, however, the face of the gigantic crawler eluded scientists—Arthropleura fossils discovered since the 1800s were often only remnants of headless exoskeletons left behind during molting. —Olatunji Osho-Williams, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Oct. 2024

Their exoskeletons turned up later, crisp-fried atop a meat dish. —Ann Abel, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024

When ground bees come into contact with diatomaceous earth, the microscopic, sharp particles within the powder abrade their exoskeletons, leading to dehydration and death. —Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

exoskeleton

noun

exo·​skel·​e·​ton ˌek-sō-ˈskel-ət-ᵊn 

: a hard supporting or protective structure (as of an insect, spider, or crustacean) on the outside of the body

Medical Definition

exoskeleton

noun

exo·​skel·​e·​ton ˌek-sō-ˈskel-ət-ᵊn 

1

: an external supportive covering of an animal (as the system of sclerites covering the body of an insect) compare endoskeleton

2

: bony or horny parts (as nails, hooves, or scales) of a vertebrate produced from epidermal tissues

exoskeletal

-ət-ᵊl 

adjective