Word
exoskeleton
Phoneticsex·oskele·ton
US/ˌɛksoʊˈskɛɫətən/
UK/ˈɛksəʊskˌɛlɪtən/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a hard outer shell that protects and supports the body of some animals, like insects and crabs. It works like bones on the outside of the body.
n. a rigid external covering that supports and protects the body of certain invertebrates, such as arthropods and molluscs. Contrasts with an internal endoskeleton of the type vertebrates possess.
Examples
“A beetle has a hard exoskeleton for protection.”
“The crab shed its old exoskeleton on the rock and hid until the new shell hardened.”
“After molting, the lobster's soft exoskeleton leaves it vulnerable for days while calcium salts gradually harden the new cuticle.”
Examples
simple
“A beetle has a hard exoskeleton for protection.”
contextual
“The crab shed its old exoskeleton on the rock and hid until the new shell hardened.”
complex
“After molting, the lobster's soft exoskeleton leaves it vulnerable for days while calcium salts gradually harden the new cuticle.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “exoskeleton” in context.
Verb
01. exoskeleton hardens
“After molting, the new exoskeleton hardens within a few hours.”
noun + verb
02. exoskeleton splits
“When the insect is ready to grow, the old exoskeleton splits open.”
noun + verb
03. exoskeleton supports
“The exoskeleton supports the insect's body and anchors its muscles.”
noun + verb
04. molt exoskeleton
“Young crabs molt their exoskeleton several times while growing.”
verb + noun
05. outgrow exoskeleton
“As the larva grows, it will eventually outgrow its exoskeleton.”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. chitinous exoskeleton
“Insects produce a chitinous exoskeleton that is both light and remarkably strong.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. layer of exoskeleton
“A waxy outer layer of exoskeleton prevents water loss.”
noun + prep + noun
08. plates of exoskeleton
“Fossil trilobites show overlapping plates of exoskeleton.”
noun + prep + noun
09. encased in tough exoskeleton
“The scorpion's organs are encased in a tough exoskeleton.”
10. exoskeleton splits during molting
“The exoskeleton splits during molting, allowing the insect to emerge.”
11. outgrow its hard exoskeleton
“The nymph must outgrow its hard exoskeleton to reach adulthood.”
12. protected by rigid exoskeleton
“The woodlouse is protected by a rigid exoskeleton.”
Real-World Examples
“One potential explanation involves their exoskeletons, the hard outer coverings that protect their bodies.” Etymology
From exo- + skeleton.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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