Soft-shelled

Describing an animal, typically a turtle or crustacean, with a shell or exoskeleton that is relatively flexible, pliable, or not fully hardened, or lacking the typical hard exterior found in related species. This characteristic often affects the animal's protection, habitat, and behavior. soft-shelled organisms may be more vulnerable to predators but also possess advantages, such as increased flexibility and rapid growth or molting cycles. The term can also be applied metaphorically to describe something lacking a rigid structure or firmness.

Soft-shelled meaning with examples

• The soft-shelled turtle, found in the muddy riverbeds, relies on camouflage rather than a hardened shell for defense. Its pliable carapace allows it to quickly burrow into the sediment, avoiding predators and facilitating a more flexible hunting style compared to its hard-shelled relatives. The hatchlings are particularly vulnerable with such a tender shell.
• Freshly molted crabs, those with soft-shelled exoskeletons, are a delicacy in some cultures due to their tender texture. After shedding their rigid outer shell, they are temporarily defenseless, necessitating their need to hide in the rocks and under the sand. The soft shells are easy to process for food.
• The soft-shelled clams, preferred by some cooks, are eaten in their entirety with their shells. They're often fried or steamed and appreciated for their delicate taste and tenderness. The shells on the other hand are very soft, with a thin calcium carbonate layer for protection, making them easy to digest.
• The researcher observed the soft-shelled eggs of the insect, finding that the shells, unlike those of birds, offered a lesser degree of protection from environmental damage but facilitated faster hatching times. He used a microscope to study the composition of the embryonic structures.
• The architect designed a building with soft-shelled panels, a choice that offered unique aesthetic possibilities but raised concerns about the structure's longevity against harsh weather elements. His soft designs gave way to his soft-shelled approach.