exoskeletonnoun [ C ]
uk/ˌek.səʊˈskel.ɪ.tən/us/ˌek.soʊˈskel.ət̬ən/specializeda hard outer layer that covers, supports, and protects the body of an invertebrate animal such as an insect or crustacean
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endoskeleton
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Bone structures
- acetabular
- acetabulum
- acromial
- acromioclavicular
- acromion
- breastbone
- coccyx
- endoskeleton
- iliac
- ilium
- intercarpal
- intercondylar
- interosseous
- kneecap
- sacroiliac
- sacrospinous
- sacrotuberous
- sacrum
- sagittal
- trapezium
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Examples from literature
- Chitin, a white horny substance found in the exoskeleton of several invertebrate animals.
- This cuticle has regions which are hard and firm, forming an exoskeleton, and, between these, areas which are relatively soft and flexible.