Chitinous (adjective)

1. Composed of or covered with a hard, stiff, translucent substance that is a complex polymer of a type of polysaccharide and is found in the exoskeletons of insects and crustaceans.
2. Resembling chitin in hardness, stiffness, or luster.

Origin:

Late latin chitīnōsus, from latin chitōn, chitō shell.

Examples:

1. The beetle's chitinous exoskeleton protected it from predators.
2. The researchers were studying the properties of chitinous materials.
3. The chitinous shell of the shrimp was difficult to crack.
4. The chitinous cuticle provided an excellent barrier against water loss in the plant.
5. The new material was designed to mimic the strength and stiffness of chitinous materials.