exoskeleton
noun
exo·skel·e·ton
| \ ˌek-sō-ˈske-lə-tən
\
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Definition of exoskeleton
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
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Other Words from exoskeleton
exoskeletal
\ ˌek-sō-ˈske-lə-tᵊl
\
adjective
\
adjective
Examples of exoskeleton in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Yet those giant amphipods and other creatures with exoskeletons seem to fare better at depths. — Eva Botkin-kowacki, The Christian Science Monitor, "NASA eyes the ocean: How the deep sea could unlock outer space," 23 Aug. 2019 In most cases, the entire exoskeleton is edible, making for a highly efficient food source. — Julia Sclafani, Daily Pilot, "Cricket chips? Ant caviar? O.C. Fair showcases the latest sustainable healthy food trend: Bugs," 31 July 2019 The researchers found 86 bacterial strains on the exoskeletons and inside the insects, including many that can infect humans. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "Flies in Hospitals Are Full of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria," 26 June 2019 Researchers think the fungus, found in tropical forests, infects a foraging ant through spores that attach and penetrate the exoskeleton and slowly takes over its behavior. — Jennifer Lu, National Geographic, "How a parasitic fungus turns ants into 'zombies'," 18 Apr. 2019 This shedding may explain the aggregations of multiple Cambroraster in one place, Moysiuk notes, as modern arthropods often come together to exuviate their old exoskeletons. — Riley Black, Smithsonian, "Prehistoric Ocean Predator Resembles a Large and Vicious Horseshoe Crab," 31 July 2019 The robot exoskeletons hang behind us, limp and lifeless. — Michael Calore, WIRED, "Strap on Your Exoskeleton and Dance, Dance, Dance," 30 July 2019 Donning a robotic exoskeleton and lifting the front end of a vehicle is just one of the activities organizers are planning for the discovery center headed for Aberdeen. — Christine Condon, baltimoresun.com, "'To excite and inspire': Preview of Aberdeen science center to open this fall," 9 July 2019 Fast-forward a few months, though, and the lubber becomes an almost invincible warrior in shining bright — and toxic — armor: the lubber's colorful exoskeleton serves as a warning that says'I'm poisonous' to predators. — Adriana Brasileiro, orlandosentinel.com, "Monster grasshoppers swarm Everglades," 19 July 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'exoskeleton.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for exoskeleton
exoskeleton
noun
exo·skel·e·ton
| \ ˌek-sō-ˈskel-ət-ᵊn
\
\
Medical Definition of exoskeleton
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
Other Words from exoskeleton
exoskeletal
\ -ət-ᵊl
\
adjective
\
adjective