an exoskeleton

Meanings

1. 1nouncountablebiologytechnical

   A hard outer covering that supports and protects the bodies of some animals, such as insects and crabs.

   Grammar: Countable: you can say 'an exoskeleton' or 'exoskeletons'.

   Patterns

   • an insect's exoskeleton
   • shed an exoskeleton
   • a hard exoskeleton

   Crabs have a hard exoskeleton that protects them.

   The insect shed its exoskeleton as it grew.

   The exoskeleton of a beetle is made of chitin.

2. 2nouncountablemedicaltechnical

   A metal or plastic frame worn outside the body to support movement or strength.

   Grammar: Countable: used in medical or engineering contexts.

   Patterns

   • wear an exoskeleton
   • a robotic exoskeleton
   • a powered exoskeleton

   The patient used a robotic exoskeleton to walk again.

   Workers in the factory wear exoskeletons to lift heavy boxes.

Word forms

Common combinations

hard exoskeleton

The lobster has a hard exoskeleton.

shed an exoskeleton

Snakes shed their skin, but insects shed their exoskeleton.

robotic exoskeleton

The robotic exoskeleton helped him stand up.

powered exoskeleton

Soldiers may wear powered exoskeletons to carry heavy gear.

Synonyms and how they differ

shell

'Shell' is a common word for a hard outer case, especially of sea animals; 'exoskeleton' is the scientific term for any external skeleton.

carapace

'Carapace' specifically refers to the hard upper shell of a crab or turtle; 'exoskeleton' is the entire outer skeleton.

Opposites

Word family

exoskeletal adjective

Relating to an exoskeleton, as in 'exoskeletal structure'.

Commonly confused: an exoskeleton or endoskeleton?

Practice

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