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

Having both metals arranged in this way turns the stinger into a biological spear capable of punching through tough hides or exoskeletons of prey. —Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 1 May 2026

Crocker says these were most likely the exoskeletons of aphids, a common rose pest, and the bugs’ sugary byproduct called honeydew. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2026

Cheap drones combatting Iranian Shahed drones in both occupied Ukrainian territory and the Middle East are one clear example, but low-cost, passive exoskeletons may be another. —Jon Martindale, PC Magazine, 21 Apr. 2026

These fungal tubes are made of rigid cells that contain chitin, the same compound found in insect exoskeletons. —Quanta Magazine, 6 Apr. 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