Definition

A hard plate or piece found in some invertebrates, especially as part of their outer shell or exoskeleton.

Example

The scientist examined the sclerite under a microscope to study its structure.

Conversation

Have you ever studied the structure of a crab's shell?

Yeah, it's fascinating how those sclerites protect them.

Right? I read that they help with both defense and movement.

Exactly! It's amazing how nature designs these protective features.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sclerite → It is formed from "scleros" (σκληρός) (meaning hard) in Greek and the suffix "-ite" (meaning a component or part). The word "sclerite" refers to a hard part or component of an organism, often used in biological contexts to describe hardened structures.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'hard' ('scleros') and a 'part' ('-ite') — that's why a sclerite is a hard part of an organism.

Visually Confused Words