exoskeleton

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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

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exoskeletal

play \ˌek-sō-ˈske-lə-tᵊl\ adjective

See exoskeleton defined for kids

Recent Examples of exoskeleton from the Web

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
The crust is thick enough to offer some resistance to the teeth, but the outside is crispy enough to provide an exoskeleton strong enough to hold the peaches and huge hunks of pork without getting soggy.

— andy staples, SI.com, "Where to eat, drink in Birmingham, Alabama," 30 June 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
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
Exoskeletons are a common feature in the natural world.

— john timmer, Ars Technica, "Researchers optimize a powered exoskeleton to cut energy used in walking," 23 June 2017
Similar exoskeleton products in development are meant to help with mobility in people with neuromuscular disorders.

— james hamblin, The Atlantic, "Let Us Stand on Planes, and Other Health Ideas in Progress," 22 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

play

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

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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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exoskeletal

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