Skip to main content
dermoskeleton

dermoskeleton

9.9
A hard outer covering on some animals that protects and supports the body
  • noun
  • /ˌdɜrmoʊˈskɛlɪtən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : dermosqueleto
  • The turtle's dermoskeleton provides excellent protection.

Examples

  • Many fish have a dermoskeleton made of bony plates.

  • The turtle's dermoskeleton, made of hard shells, provides protection against predators.

  • The ancient fish's dermoskeleton was made up of thick, overlapping bony plates.

  • Scientists believe the dermoskeleton helped protect early vertebrates from predators.

  • Unlike mammals, some reptiles have a partial dermoskeleton beneath their scales.

  • Many fish have a dermoskeleton consisting of scales that help them swim efficiently.

  • The ancient dinosaur possessed a dermoskeleton that shielded it from harsh environmental conditions.

Synonyms

shell
vsdermoskeleton
296 1.0

A hard outer covering that protects animals, eggs, or nuts

is one biological example of a hard protective outer support for animals
shield
vsdermoskeleton
94 3.5

A hard outer covering on animals like insects or turtles that protects the body

is the wider biological support term used for many hard coverings
armor
vsdermoskeleton
  • US
20 3.4

A hard protective outer part on some animals and plants

is specifically about hard body support and protection rather than general toughness
exoskeleton
vsdermoskeleton
  • Specialized
16 6.9

A hard outer shell that supports and protects animals like insects and crabs

is broader, covering hard outer plates, scales, or shells in some animals
carapace
vsdermoskeleton
  • Specialized
6 8.7

A hard outer shell that protects the body of animals like crabs and turtles

is a general outer support that also includes bony plates and scales
cuticle
vsdermoskeleton
  • Specialized
1 6.3

A hard outer covering that protects animals like insects or turtles

refers more widely to thicker structural coverings that support the body

How Hard

dermoskeleton
  • Specialized
9.9
shell
296 1.0
scale
28 3.5
hide
134 4.1
skin
1.0

Surface Forms

dermoskeleton singular

Morphology

dermoskeleton = skeleton (semi-transparent) = dermo + skeleton

While 'skeleton' is clear, 'dermo' is not a standalone English word, though it suggests 'skin'.

Etymology

The word dermoskeleton comes from dermo- meaning 'skin' and skeleton meaning 'support' or 'frame', like the bones that hold a body up. So a dermoskeleton is a hard outer 'skin-frame', such as plates, scales, or shells, that protects and supports an animal.