EXOSKELETON

exoskeleton

(noun) 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

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

exoskeleton (plural exoskeletons)

(anatomy) A hard outer structure that provides both structure and protection to creatures such as insects and Crustacea.

Source: Wiktionary

Ex`o*skel"e*ton, n. Etym: [Exo- + skeleton] (Anat.)

Definition: 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.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition