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scute

noun
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\ ˈsküt How to pronounce scute (audio) , ˈskyüt \

Definition of scute

: an external bony or horny plate or large scale

Examples of scute in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Each scute has concentric growth rings at the center, which have been often cited—perhaps erroneously—as a way to estimate their age. — National Geographic, "Diamondback terrapin," 26 Mar. 2020 Even today, bones and scutes are sold as medicine from China to Mexico. — Craig Welch, National Geographic, "Sea turtles are surviving—despite us," 20 Sep. 2019 All but leatherbacks, with their layer of thick skin, have bony external skeletons covered in scutes of keratin, the material found in rhinoceros horns and our own fingernails. — Craig Welch, National Geographic, "Sea turtles are surviving—despite us," 20 Sep. 2019 In lieu of scales, bony plates called scutes cover the sturgeon’s cartilaginous bodies. — Julia Kramer, Bon Appetit, "Spears, Beers, and Caviar: Fishing for Sturgeon in Wisconsin," 6 Feb. 2017 In lieu of scales, bony plates called scutes cover the sturgeon’s cartilaginous bodies. — Julia Kramer, Bon Appetit, "Spears, Beers, and Caviar: Fishing for Sturgeon in Wisconsin," 6 Feb. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'scute.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of scute

1848, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for scute

New Latin scutum, from Latin, shield — more at esquire

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Cite this Entry

“Scute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scute. Accessed 7 May. 2021.

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