exoskeleton

noun

exo·​skel·​e·​ton ˌek-sō-ˈske-lə-tən How to pronounce exoskeleton (audio)
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 adjective

Examples of exoskeleton in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At the precise moment of detonation, the ants release a potent and viscous secretion — a biochemical cocktail that adheres to the exoskeletons of the predators. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025 The fungus penetrates the spider’s tough exoskeleton with a germ tube—a root-like structure that drills its way inside. Scott Travers, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 It is constructed with an exoskeleton made of aluminum alloy. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 24 Feb. 2025 Among these is a nasty little microbe encased in a Vulcan exoskeleton, histrionically played by Sven Ruygrok with an inexplicable Irish accent. Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exoskeleton

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exoskeleton was in 1847

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Cite this Entry

“Exoskeleton.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exoskeleton. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

exoskeleton

noun
exo·​skel·​e·​ton ˌek-sō-ˈskel-ət-ᵊn How to pronounce exoskeleton (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce exoskeleton (audio)
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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on exoskeleton

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