adjective
- hardened by the formation of sclerotin or similar proteins, especially in insect exoskeletons
Usage: biological; entomological
Examples
- The beetle’s sclerotized wing covers protect its delicate flight wings underneath.
- Sclerotized plates form the hard outer shell of many arthropods.
- The insect’s head capsule becomes sclerotized as it matures.
- Scientists studied the sclerotized structures in the fossil specimens.
- The sclerotized exoskeleton provides both protection and structural support.
- Researchers examined how the cuticle becomes sclerotized during development.