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
Examples of exoskeleton in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This is because the exoskeletons are difficult to break down.
—
Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 9 May 2024
To the untrained eye, cicadas may look extremely similar to each other, characterized by their hard exoskeleton and distinctive drone.
—Lily Carey, Discover Magazine, 6 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for exoskeleton 
Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 9 May 2024
To the untrained eye, cicadas may look extremely similar to each other, characterized by their hard exoskeleton and distinctive drone.
—Lily Carey, Discover Magazine, 6 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for exoskeleton
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'exoskeleton.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Exoskeleton.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exoskeleton. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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