Exoskeletal

/ˌɛksɑːˈskɛlətəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or being an external skeleton, such as the hard outer covering of insects, crustaceans, and other arthropods.

Etymology

From exo- 'outside' + skeletal (from skeleton, from Greek skeletos 'dried up, bare'). The term contrasts with endoskeleton (internal bone structure).

Kelly Says

Exoskeletons are actually stronger per unit of weight than human bones, which is why insects can fall from buildings and survive—their external armor distributes force differently than our fragile internal scaffolding!

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