Exoskeleton

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Exoskeleton \Ex`o*skel"e*ton\, n. [Exo- + skeleton] (Anat.)
     The hardened parts of the external integument of an animal,
     including hair, feathers, nails, horns, scales, etc.,as well
     as the armor of armadillos and many reptiles, and the shells
     or hardened integument of numerous invertebrates; external
     skeleton; dermoskeleton.


     [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  exoskeleton
       n : 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