Eggshell: meaning, definitions and examples
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eggshell
[ ˈɛɡʃɛl ]
food item
Eggshell refers to the hard outer covering of an egg, typically composed of calcium carbonate. This shell protects the contents of the egg, keeping them safe from external hazards. In culinary contexts, eggshells are often seen as waste, but they can be used in gardening as a source of calcium. The texture of an eggshell is slightly rough and porous, which allows for gas exchange. The color of an eggshell can vary depending on the breed of the hen, ranging from white to brown and even blue or green in some cases.
Synonyms
outer layer, shell.
Examples of usage
- Be sure to avoid leaving any eggshell in the omelet.
- Crushed eggshell can be a great addition to your garden soil.
- The fragile eggshell broke easily under pressure.
- Some decorations are made from painted eggshells.
Translations
Translations of the word "eggshell" in other languages:
🇵🇹 casca de ovo
🇮🇳 अंडे का छिलका
🇩🇪 Eierschale
🇮🇩 cangkang telur
🇺🇦 яєчна шкаралупа
🇵🇱 skorupka jaja
🇯🇵 卵の殻
🇫🇷 coquille d'œuf
🇪🇸 cáscara de huevo
🇹🇷 yumurta kabuğu
🇰🇷 계란 껍질
🇸🇦 قشرة البيض
🇨🇿 vaječná skořápka
🇸🇰 škrupina vajca
🇨🇳 蛋壳
🇸🇮 jajčna lupina
🇮🇸 eggskel
🇰🇿 жұмыртқа қабығы
🇬🇪 კვერცხის ქერქი
🇦🇿 yumurta qabığı
🇲🇽 cáscara de huevo
Etymology
The word 'eggshell' derives from the Middle English term 'eggschelle', which in turn comes from the Old English 'æg' meaning 'egg' and 'scealu' meaning 'shell'. This compound word reflects the essential nature of the eggshell as both a protective enclosure and a natural product of avian life. Historically, eggs have been a significant part of human diet and culture, symbolizing fertility and new life across various societies. The thin, hard shell serves as a boundary protecting the developing embryo, making it a subject of study in various fields like biology and food science. Over time, the understanding of the composition and benefits of eggshells has led to their use in gardening, health supplements, and even art.