exoskeleton
noun [ C ] specialized uk/ˌek.səʊˈskel.ɪ.tən/ us/ˌek.soʊˈskel.ət̬ən/
biology 外骨骼（昆虫和甲壳纲动物裸露在身体表面的用于支撑和保护身体的骨骼）
a hard outer layer that covers, supports, and protects the body of an invertebrate animal (= one without a line of bones in its back) such as an insect or crustacean
The white shells found on shore are exoskeletons of dead animals.
Crayfish sometimes consume their old exoskeleton after it has moulted.
Compare: endoskeleton
- More examples
- Living corals, shelled animals and those with exoskeletons require calcium in the water in order to grow.
- With each successive moult the current crop of fungal parasites is shed along with the old exoskeleton.
- The patients' paralyzed arms will then be placed into an exoskeleton equipped with motors and sensors.