exoskeleton

noun exo·skel·e·ton \ˌek-sō-ˈske-lə-tən\

Definition of EXOSKELETON

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

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

: an artificial external supporting structure

— exo·skel·e·tal \-lə-t^əl\ adjective

See exoskeleton defined for kids

1847

Medical Dictionary

noun exo·skel·e·ton \ˌek-sō-ˈskel-ət-^ən\

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

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

—exo·skel·e·tal \-ət-^əl\ adjective

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