Shell

A hard, protective outer covering, often composed of calcium carbonate or chitin, that encases an animal or object. It can refer to the physical structure itself, the exterior surface of something, or, figuratively, a protective barrier. Furthermore, 'shell' can represent an empty or discarded container and is frequently used in military contexts to describe projectiles or the basic body of a structure. shell also refers to a software interface or the outer layer of a plant's seed. In essence, 'shell' speaks to concepts of protection, containment, and outer layers.

Shell meaning with examples

• The crab's shell, a beautiful mosaic of reds and browns, protected its soft body from predators. The biologist carefully examined the intricate patterns on the shells, cataloging their unique features. Divers observed the sea turtles returning to their favourite spots, nestled safely within their sturdy shells, observing the ocean's inhabitants. The beach was littered with empty seashells, each a former home to a marine creature; it had been a long time since this area of sand had been cleaned.
• The ancient warrior donned his armor, the metallic shell glinting in the sunlight. This shell offered him protection during combat, deflecting blows with ease. After their meeting, the two people had built up a close relationship, yet the shell still surrounded this core and only a few people could see how close they are. The building's shell, constructed from reinforced concrete, provided structural integrity against the harsh weather. The artist used discarded eggshells to create a mosaic, transforming what were once empty shells into beautiful art.
• During the battle, several artillery shells exploded near the trenches. Soldiers were ordered to hide in the trenches which provided the barest shell of protection against the heavy fire. The company's shell corporation was a front designed to mask its financial dealings, giving it a deceptive appearance. The programming shell allowed the developer to interact with the operating system, and to implement new features. After the party ended, only empty wine shells and discarded party debris remained.
• The sunflower seed, a tiny treasure, was protected by a hard outer shell that shielded the tender seed from damage. The bird cracked open the shell to consume the food. The customer's shell of emotions hid a vulnerable and sensitive person. The software's shell provided a user-friendly interface for accessing and executing commands. The house's shell stood empty and derelict after the hurricane had passed, revealing the damage it had sustained.
• The snail slowly moved across the leaf, its shell gleaming in the sunlight, slowly creeping toward its next meal. He was a recluse and found it hard to trust anybody. He constructed his new shell, protecting him from others. The shell of the egg cracked slightly, revealing the first signs of life developing inside. The computer game allows users to interact through the game shell to simulate war.