Definition

Relating to or made of a tough, protective substance found in the shells of insects and crustaceans.

Example

The chitinous exoskeleton of the crab protects it from predators.

Conversation

Did you know that crabs have chitinous shells that protect them?

Really? I always thought they were just hard, like armor.

Yeah, the chitinous material is quite fascinating when you think about it.

It is! Nature has such interesting ways of building creatures.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Chitinous → It is formed from "chitin" (from Greek "chiton", meaning tunic or covering) and the suffix "-ous" (meaning full of or possessing). The word "chitinous" refers to something that is full of or possesses chitin, which is a tough, protective substance found in the exoskeletons of arthropods and the cell walls of fungi.

Memory Tip

Think of 'chitin' as a protective 'covering' and '-ous' meaning full of — so 'chitinous' describes something that is full of this protective covering.

Visually Confused Words