Shells: meaning, definitions and examples

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shells

[ʃɛlz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

seafood

The hard outer covering of mollusks or crustaceans. Shells are commonly used in cooking to prepare dishes such as clam chowder or shrimp scampi.

Synonyms

carapace, exoskeleton, shellfish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shells	Used to refer to the hard outer layer of some animals, especially those living in the sea, or the casing of a nut or seed. The children collected shells on the beach Cracking open peanut shells can be fun
shellfish	Refers to aquatic animals with a shell, such as crabs, lobsters, oysters, and clams, typically used in the context of food. We had a delicious meal of shellfish at the restaurant Shellfish like clams and mussels are popular in many cuisines
carapace	Specifically refers to the hard upper shell of a turtle, crustacean, or arachnid. The turtle retreated into its carapace The crab's carapace offers good protection
exoskeleton	Used to describe the external skeleton that supports and protects an animal's body, particularly in insects and some marine animals. Insects like beetles have a thick exoskeleton Lobsters have a strong exoskeleton for protection

Examples of usage

The chef collected the shells from the clams to make a delicious seafood pasta.
She found a beautiful seashell on the beach and decided to keep it as a souvenir.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

ammunition

A metal or plastic casing containing an explosive charge, fired from a gun or artillery.

Synonyms

ammunition, bombshell, projectile.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shells	See 'shells' entry.
projectile	A term used for any object that is thrown, fired, or launched, typically used in a technical or scientific context. This can include bullets, missiles, and other objects. The engineer analyzed the trajectory of the projectile. Various projectiles were used in testing the new weapon system.
ammunition	Refers to a supply of bullets, shells, or other items meant to be fired from weapons. It is often used in broader contexts, including both military and civilian uses. The troops were running low on ammunition. Hunters must ensure they have the right type of ammunition for their rifles.
bombshell	Used commonly to describe a shocking or surprising event or piece of news, rather than an actual explosive device. This word can have a dramatic or sensational connotation. The revelation was a bombshell that changed everything. She dropped a bombshell when she announced her resignation.

Examples of usage

The soldiers loaded their rifles with shells before heading into battle.
The artillery unit fired several shells at the enemy's position.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Old English 'sceled', meaning a hard exterior or covering.
In Latin, 'testa' refers to a pot or shell and has influenced many terms related to shells in science.
The term for a protective shell evolved over centuries, illustrating how language adapts to describe nature.

Marine Biology

Many sea creatures, like mollusks, produce shells from calcium carbonate, making them both strong and light.
Some shells can indicate the age and health of the creature, as growth rings are often found in their structure.
Coral reefs, made from tiny coral polyps, produce calcareous shells that contribute to larger reef formations.

Cultural Significance

In several cultures, shells have been used as tools and currency for trade, especially in the past.
Shells feature prominently in jewelry and art, symbolizing beauty and the oceanic connection.
The conch shell is significant in some traditions, used as a musical instrument and in religious rituals.

Environmental Importance

Shells provide essential habitats for many marine organisms, contributing to biodiversity in ocean ecosystems.
They also play a role in nutrient cycling, as when they break down, they enrich marine sediments.
However, changes in ocean acidity threaten shell formation in many marine species, highlighting environmental concerns.

Education and Observation

Beachcombing for shells is a popular educational activity, teaching children about marine life and ecology.
Shell collecting encourages appreciation for biodiversity and conservation efforts among children and adults alike.
Many classrooms use shells to teach concepts of geometry and biology due to their varied shapes and functions.

Translations

Translations of the word "shells" in other languages:

🇵🇹 conchas

🇮🇳 शंख

🇩🇪 Muscheln

🇮🇩 kerang

🇺🇦 мушлі

🇵🇱 muszle

🇯🇵 貝殻

🇫🇷 coquillages

🇪🇸 conchas

🇹🇷 deniz kabukları

🇰🇷 조개 껍데기

🇸🇦 أصداف

🇨🇿 mušle

🇸🇰 mušle

🇨🇳 贝壳

🇸🇮 školjke

🇮🇸 skeljar

🇰🇿 қабыршақтар

🇬🇪 ნიჟარები

🇦🇿 qabıqlar

🇲🇽 conchas

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,983, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

...
4980 wires
4981 attain
4982 earnest
4983 shells
4984 appreciated
4985 tough
4986 wholesale
...