shell

/ʃˈɛl/

/ˈʃɛɫ/

[noun] [verb] [adjective]

Shell

[NOUN]

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

synonyms : carapace

cuticle

shield

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

*** a type of pasta

synonyms : conchiglie

seashell

the material that forms the hard outer covering of many animals

the hard largely calcareous covering of a mollusc or a brachiopod

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

synonyms : plate

scale

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

synonyms : case

casing

a very light narrow racing boat

synonyms : racing shell

a rigid covering that envelops an object

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

synonyms : eggshell

the hard usually fibrous outer layer of some fruits especially nuts

to shell

[VERB]

MAIN VERB

use explosives on

synonyms : blast

remove from its shell or outer covering

remove the husks from

synonyms : husk

come out better in a competition, race, or conflict

synonyms : beat

hit the pitches of hard and regularly

look for and collect shells by the seashore

fall out of the pod or husk

create by using explosives

synonyms : blast

shell

[ADJECTIVE]

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

Examples

1. The hard shell of the crab protects it from predators.

2. Wow, Anna has really come out of her shell lately.

3. Her obsession with material possessions has turned her into an empty shell, ignoring the true values in life.

4. If he doesn't address his feelings, he may become an empty shell, unable to connect with others.

Nearby words