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

At the precise moment of detonation, the ants release a potent and viscous secretion — a biochemical cocktail that adheres to the exoskeletons of the predators. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025

The fungus penetrates the spider’s tough exoskeleton with a germ tube—a root-like structure that drills its way inside. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025

It is constructed with an exoskeleton made of aluminum alloy. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 24 Feb. 2025

Among these is a nasty little microbe encased in a Vulcan exoskeleton, histrionically played by Sven Ruygrok with an inexplicable Irish accent. —Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for exoskeleton

• cytoskeleton
• gelatin
• skeleton

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