noun
- hard, bony or horny plates that form part of the external covering of certain animals, especially reptiles
Usage: zoology
Examples
- The turtle’s shell is made up of many individual scutes.
- Crocodiles have thick scutes covering their backs for protection.
- The armadillo’s scutes provide armor against predators.
- Scientists can identify turtle species by examining their scute patterns.
- The scutes on the snake’s belly help it move across rough surfaces.
- Fossilized scutes from ancient reptiles were found at the dig site.