Definition of "exoskeleton" [ex•o•skel•e•ton]

• A hard outer structure, such as the shell of an insect or crustacean, that provides protection or support for an organism. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Using revolutionary hyper-sensors and nano-hydraulic technology, the exoskeleton is able to detect and amplify body movement."
• "The chitin of the black widow, her exoskeleton, is so shiny and tough that simply spraying her living quarters with Raid will not kill her; you must spray it directly on her body for the insecticide to take effect."
• "It's probably less protein in the human diet than carbohydrate (assuming their exoskeleton is comformed of chitin)."