/ɛɡɔsɑt/ (ɛɡ-ô-sat)

Definitions

1. verb

To remove the shell or outer covering of something, especially an insect or egg.

“The entomologist had to exossate the beetle before studying its internal structure.”

2. verb

In paleontology, to remove the rock or matrix that surrounds a fossil, often leaving it exposed and intact.

“The paleontologist carefully exossated the dinosaur fossil to reveal its complete skeleton.”