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Shell: meaning, definitions and examples

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shell

 

[ʃɛl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sea creature

A hard protective outer covering, typically made of calcium carbonate, secreted by certain marine organisms such as mollusks, bivalves, and gastropods.

Synonyms

carapace, exoskeleton, test.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shell

This word can also refer to the outer case or structure of inanimate objects, such as buildings, structures, or electronic devices.

  • The building was just a shell after the fire.
  • He removed the shell of his old phone.
carapace

Specifically refers to the hard upper shell of turtles, crustaceans, and arachnids. It is used in biological contexts.

  • The turtle's carapace was beautifully patterned.
  • A crab's carapace can be quite tough.
exoskeleton

Used in biological or scientific contexts to refer to the rigid external covering that supports and protects the bodies of arthropods (insects, spiders, crustaceans).

  • The insect's exoskeleton is made of chitin.
  • Arthropods rely on their exoskeleton for protection.
test

This term is used in zoological contexts, often referring to the external shell of echinoderms (like sea urchins). It is a specialized and less commonly used term.

  • The scientist studied the sea urchin's test.
  • A test typically covers the delicate internal organs of sea urchins.

Examples of usage

  • The hermit crab uses a shell for protection.
  • The snail retreats into its shell when threatened.
  • Seashells can be found on the beach.
Context #2 | Noun

ammunition

A metal or cardboard case used to contain the explosive and projectiles in a firearm.

Synonyms

ammunition, bullet casing, cartridge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shell

Use 'shell' when referring to the outer casing of a projectile fired from larger firearms like cannons, artillery, or tanks.

  • The soldiers loaded the cannon with a high-explosive shell
  • The battlefield was littered with spent shells after the long firefight
cartridge

Use 'cartridge' when talking about the complete package of a bullet with its casing, primer, and propellant. It can be used for both small arms and other firearms.

  • He loaded fresh cartridges into his rifle before heading out
  • The hunter always carried extra cartridges in case he ran out
bullet casing

Use 'bullet casing' when referring to the metal case that is left behind after a bullet has been fired from a gun. It's more specific to small arms and handguns.

  • The detective found several bullet casings at the scene, which could be crucial evidence
  • The sound of bullet casings hitting the ground echoed through the alley
ammunition

Use 'ammunition' when discussing the general term for bullets, shells, grenades, or any other type of weaponry used in firing or explosives.

  • The troops were running low on ammunition and needed resupply
  • Different types of ammunition are suitable for different weapons

Examples of usage

  • The soldier loaded the shell into the shotgun.
  • He collected spent shells after target practice.
Context #3 | Verb

remove outer covering

To remove the outer covering or husk from a nut, seed, or egg.

Synonyms

husk, peel, skin.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shell

This term is often used for the hard outer covering of nuts, some fruits, eggs, and sea creatures such as shellfish.

  • She cracked the walnut shell to get to the nut inside
  • The diver admired the beauty of the seashell
peel

Mainly used for the outer skin of fruits and vegetables, which is usually softer and can be removed by hand or with a peeler.

  • She peeled the apple for her salad
  • The recipe instructs to peel and dice the potatoes
husk

This is typically used to describe the dry outer covering of some fruits or seeds, like corn, which needs to be removed before consumption.

  • He removed the husk from the corn before boiling it
  • The rice grains are separated from their husks during processing
skin

Refers to the thin outer layer of fruits, vegetables, and animals. It can be removed or eaten, depending on the food.

  • Banana skin turns brown when it ripens
  • The chef instructed to remove the chicken skin before cooking

Examples of usage

  • She shelled the pistachios before serving.
  • He shucked the corn to remove the husk.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originated from the Old English 'scealu', which means 'a shell, a case, a covering'.
  • Many languages have similar words; for example, in Latin, 'testa' refers to a shell or hard outer layer.

Biology

  • Mollusks, like snails and clams, create shells from calcium carbonate, a process that involves secretions from their bodies.
  • The shell serves not only as protection but also as a place for muscle attachment and buoyancy in some marine species.

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, shells have been used as currency, jewelry, and in religious ceremonies.
  • The conch shell is often blown in Hindu rituals, called 'shankh', symbolizing purity and the call to worship.

Art and Decoration

  • Seashells often inspire artists, and they are popular motifs in jewelry, home decor, and crafts.
  • Shell collecting, or conchology, is a popular hobby, leading to the creation of shell-themed artworks and exhibits.

Technology

  • In computing, a 'shell' refers to a user interface that allows interaction with the operating system through commands.
  • The concept of 'shell scripting' involves writing scripts for automation in computing environments.

Translations

Translations of the word "shell" in other languages:

🇵🇹 concha

🇮🇳 शेल (शरीर का बाहरी आवरण)

🇩🇪 Schale

🇮🇩 kulit

🇺🇦 оболонка

🇵🇱 muszla

🇯🇵 殻 (かく)

🇫🇷 coquille

🇪🇸 concha

🇹🇷 kabuk

🇰🇷 껍데기

🇸🇦 صدفة

🇨🇿 skořápka

🇸🇰 škrupina

🇨🇳 壳 (ké)

🇸🇮 lupina

🇮🇸 skel

🇰🇿 қабық

🇬🇪 ნიჟარა

🇦🇿 qabıq

🇲🇽 concha

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,857, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.