exoskeleton

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

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

—

exoskeletal

play \ˌek-sō-ˈske-lə-tᵊl\ adjective

See exoskeleton defined for kids

Recent Examples of exoskeleton from the Web

These thin, flexible exoskeletons are made out of two sheets of polyester with a heat-sensitive layer sandwiched between them.

— amina khan, latimes.com, "Watch these 'transformer' robots fold themselves into boats, wheels and other useful shapes," 28 Sep. 2017
To grow larger, tarantulas must form a new exoskeleton and shed their previous, smaller coverings in a process called molting.

— sarah gibbens, National Geographic, "Watch a Tarantula Crawl Out of Its Own Skeleton," 24 May 2017
The first exoskeleton the cube puts on allows it to walk.

— amina khan, latimes.com, "Watch these 'transformer' robots fold themselves into boats, wheels and other useful shapes," 28 Sep. 2017
Primer can shed the walk-bot exoskeleton when exposed to another solvent.

— andrew wagner, Science | AAAS, "Origami robots transform like Optimus Prime," 27 Sep. 2017
Viewing the CT scans, the beetles’ guts come into full view, showing their complex tracheal system and exoskeleton.

— andrew wagner, Science | AAAS, "Watch an insect expose its guts while still alive," 11 Aug. 2017
The combat suit also features a powered exoskeleton that assists the wearer in carrying heavy loads, lowering fatigue.

— kyle mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "Russia Unveils 'Star Wars' Armor for Infantry," 5 July 2017
Workers Flex a New Technology Lowe’s exoskeleton helps store workers with heavy lifting.

— phil wahba, Fortune, "Lowe’s Goes High on Innovation," 28 June 2017
Why does a retailer that sells faucets and ceiling fans have an interest in futuristic exoskeletons?

— phil wahba, Fortune, "Lowe’s Goes High on Innovation," 28 June 2017

These 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.

First Known Use of exoskeleton

1847

Medical Dictionary

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

—

exoskeletal

play \-ət-ᵊl\ adjective

Learn More about exoskeleton

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about exoskeleton

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exoskeleton

Definition of exoskeleton

exoskeletal

Recent Examples of exoskeleton from the Web

First Known Use of exoskeleton

Medical Dictionary

exoskeleton

medical Definition of exoskeleton

exoskeletal

Learn More about exoskeleton

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exoskeleton

Definition of exoskeleton

exoskeletal

Recent Examples of exoskeleton from the Web

First Known Use of exoskeleton

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exoskeleton

medical Definition of exoskeleton

exoskeletal

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