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exoskeleton

exoskeleton

16 6.9
A hard outer shell that supports and protects animals like insects and crabs
  • noun
  • /ˌɛksoʊˈskɛlɪtən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : exoesqueleto
  • After molting, the insect leaves behind its exoskeleton, which is lightweight and fragile.
  • a hard exoskeleton

They're they have cell walls made out of Titan, which is the same structure found in insects, exoskeletons and crab shells.

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Examples

  • They do things like build the cell walls of plants and the exoskeletons of insects that protect them.

  • Earlier this month, in a little-noticed ceremony in Japan, the world's first fully functioning robotic exoskeleton was launched.

    Academic text (2009)
  • Have you ever seen the exoskeleton of these things?

  • And this exoskeleton is incredibly tough.

  • And that big beauty, that's the exoskeleton.

  • As grasshoppers mature, they shed their hard exoskeleton five times.

    Academic text (1996)
  • The general has approved Quest Aerospace... ...to build a prototype of their exoskeleton.

  • Another issue with insects is their exoskeletons, which contain chitin.

  • They make wearable robotics where they have an exoskeleton that helps people learn to learn to walk again.

  • Other applications include robotic legs, arms, and hands, both as prosthetic devices and as exoskeletons.

    Academic text (2007)

Synonyms

dermoskeleton
vsexoskeleton
  • Specialized
9.9

A hard outer covering on some animals that protects and supports the body

is the external rigid support found on many invertebrates

How Protective

armor
  • US
358 3.0
exoskeleton
  • Specialized
16 6.9
carapace
  • Specialized
6 8.7
shell
296 1.0
cuticle
  • Specialized
1 6.3

Surface Forms

exoskeleton singular
exoskeletons plural

Morphology

exoskeleton = skeleton (transparent) = exo + skeleton

The meaning is directly derived as 'exo-' (outside/external) + 'skeleton' so learners can infer 'external skeleton'.

Etymology

The word exoskeleton comes from exo- meaning 'outside' and skeleton meaning 'frame' or 'support', so it names a hard 'outside' frame that supports and protects an animal's body.