Shell
volume
British pronunciation/ʃɛl/
American pronunciation/ʃel/

Definition & Meaning of "shell"

Shell
01

the hard protective case or covering of some animals such as a snail, mussel, crab, or turtle

shell definition and meaning
02

a component of ammunition that is loaded into a firearm, including a casing or a hull, gunpowder, a primer, and a projectile

shell definition and meaning

What is a "shell"?

A shell is a type of loaded case used in guns and firearms. It consists of a casing that holds gunpowder and a projectile, such as a bullet or small pellets. When fired, the gunpowder burns, forcing the projectile out of the barrel at high speed. Shells come in different sizes and types, depending on the firearm and intended use, including hunting, sport shooting, and military applications.

example
Example
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The soldier carefully loaded the shell into the cannon, preparing for the next round of artillery fire.
After the battle, the ground was littered with empty shells, evidence of the fierce exchange of fire.
The shell casing was found at the crime scene, providing a crucial piece of evidence for the investigators.
03

a type of pasta shaped like small, hollow shells, often used to hold fillings or sauce

shell definition and meaning
example
Example
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The shells were filled with spinach and ricotta.
He used the large shells to make a stuffed pasta recipe.
The shells soaked up the sauce really well.
04

the material that forms the hard outer covering of many animals

05

the hard largely calcareous covering of a mollusc or a brachiopod

06

a metal sheathing of uniform thickness (such as the shield attached to an artillery piece to protect the gunners)

07

the external structure of a vehicle or building, particularly when the inside parts are severely damaged by fire, etc. or are still under construction

What is a "shell"?

A shell refers to the outer structure or frame that forms the basic shape of the building or vehicle. It includes the external walls, roof, and other components that enclose the interior space. The shell is the basic structure that holds everything together, often without the internal fittings or details like windows, doors, or insulation. For example, the shell of a building is its outer walls and roof before any internal features or finishes are added.

08

a very light narrow racing boat

09

a rigid covering that envelops an object

10

the outer part of an egg, nut or seed that is hard

11

the hard usually fibrous outer layer of some fruits especially nuts

to shell
01

to use explosives on a target

Transitive: to shell an enemy or their position
to shell definition and meaning
example
Example
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The artillery division prepared to shell enemy positions to soften their defenses.
During the siege, the castle was shelled with catapults and cannons.
Naval vessels were ordered to shell coastal targets before the amphibious assault.
02

to remove the outer covering from something, often to access what is inside

Transitive: to shell food ingredients
example
Example
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She shells the peanuts before adding them to the salad for dinner.
He shelled the walnuts for baking the cake.
They will shell the eggs for breakfast tomorrow.
03

to remove the kernels or seeds from the cob, ear, or husk of grains like corn, wheat, or oats

Transitive: to shell grain
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Example
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The workers spent hours shelling corn in preparation for the harvest festival.
The machine shells oats efficiently, removing the grain from the husk.
After the corn was picked, they shelled it to make fresh cornmeal.
04

to defeat or dominate someone decisively

Transitive: to shell an opponent
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Example
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The team shelled their opponents in the final quarter, winning by over 30 points.
In the championship match, they shelled their competitors with a crushing victory.
The rival team was shelled by a series of fast goals in the first half.
05

to hit the ball very effectively and score many runs against a pitcher

Transitive: to shell a pitcher
example
Example
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The team shelled the pitcher in the first inning, racking up five runs before he could settle in.
They shelled the starting pitcher so badly that the coach had to pull him out early.
In the final game of the series, they shelled the pitcher, putting the game out of reach early.
06

to collect seashells from the beach or shoreline

Intransitive
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Example
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After walking for hours, they finally found a perfect spot to shell by the water.
They shell whenever they visit the coast, enjoying the peace of the ocean.
He spent the morning shelling, picking up the most beautiful shells he could find.
07

to cast off or remove the shell, exterior covering, or husk

Intransitive
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Example
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The seeds slowly shelled from the pod as it dried in the sun.
After ripening, the beans shelled easily, spilling out of their pods.
As the nuts matured, they shelled from the husk and fell to the ground.
01

referring to a company that is allegedly involved in or created for illegal activities, often used as a front or cover to conceal illicit operations

example
Example
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The authorities suspected that the shell corporation was established to launder money obtained through criminal activities.
The shell company was accused of being a front for tax evasion schemes.
Investigators discovered that the shell corporation was used to funnel illegal funds offshore.
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