Noun: exoskeleton ,ek-sow'ske-li-t(u)n [N. Amer], 'ek-sow,ske-li-t(u)n [Brit]
- The exterior protective or supporting structure or shell of many animals (especially invertebrates) including bony or horny parts such as nails or scales or hoofs
"The hard exoskeleton of a beetle protects it from predators"
Derived forms: exoskeletons
Type of: body covering, frame, skeletal system, skeleton, systema skeletale
Encyclopedia: Exoskeleton