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

Unlike conventional teleoperation systems that rely on motion sensors or exoskeletons, H2L's sensors detect even the smallest changes in muscle tension. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2025

Most exoskeletons on the market are made for adults, can't be scaled down due to large backpacks full of batteries, and come with breathtaking price tags of up to $500,000. —Alan Schwarz, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

New research has shown that dentine, the sensitive interior of human teeth, likely evolved from the sensory tissue within bumps on the exoskeletons of armored fish 465 million years ago. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 25 May 2025

Another unusual trait is the caterpillar's exclusive choice of insect parts or spider exoskeletons for their casing, rather than natural materials like bark or leaves, when tested in a lab. —Moná Thomas, People.com, 25 Apr. 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