Exoskeleton
- Pronunciation
- /ek-soh-SKEL-uh-ton/
- Category
- Anatomy
- Singular
- Exoskeleton
- Plural
- Exoskeletons
Definition
A rigid external covering that provides support and protection to the bodies of , including and .
Etymology
From Greek 'exo-' meaning 'outside' and 'skeletos' meaning 'dried up, skeleton'.
Example
The exoskeleton of is composed of and provides protection against .
Synonyms
- External skeleton
- Shell
Related Terms
Usage Notes
and periodically shed their exoskeletons in a known as molting to allow for growth.