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 resilin in other insects, for which the protein typically acts as a passive energy storage system or exoskeleton protection, the resilin in these lake flies plays an active role in ensuring their air sacs don’t implode at depth. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 23 July 2026

Other signs of bed bugs include ink-like speckled stains on fabrics, shed exoskeletons around crevices of beds and furniture and a sweet, musty smell. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026

The fine powder damages the exoskeletons of insects, causing dehydration and death. — Farima Ferguson, The Spruce, 15 July 2026

The exoskeleton is controlled using electromyography (EMG), which measures the tiny electrical signals generated by muscles in the forearm. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 7 July 2026

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