noun
- a bony or horny plate or scale, especially one of the plates forming the shell of a turtle or covering parts of some other animals
Usage: zoology
Examples
- The turtle’s shell is made up of many individual scutes.
- Each scute on the tortoise’s carapace has distinct growth rings.
- The alligator’s back is protected by rows of bony scutes.
- Scientists can determine a turtle’s age by examining its scutes.
- The scutes on the armadillo’s shell provide excellent protection.
- Damaged scutes on a turtle’s shell may indicate injury or disease.