rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryshellOuter covering
noun / verb

shell

SHEL/ʃel/

A hollow protective outer casing.

The walnut's rigid shell encloses the kernel in a hollow protective casing.

A partially opened walnut with a thick, rigid shell enclosing its kernel; the removed shell half lies beside it with its hollow inner surface visible.
Etymology
shellOld Englishseashell; eggshell

Old English sciell named seashells and eggshells. The broader meaning extends these familiar hard casings to other outer coverings that protect what they enclose.

In context

Chrysaellect India0:32
Similarly, a shell is a hard protective outer home called the exoskeleton, which protects the animal's soft body.
Let's learn About Shells! | What are shells made of? | marine animals| educational videos for kids

More examples

  • A walnut's shell protects the edible nut inside.
  • We shell the peas before cooking them.
  • The camera has a tough plastic shell.

Forms

shell · shells · shelled · shelling

Similar words

casing
Usually a manufactured enclosure protecting machinery or other contents.
husk
A plant's outer covering, often fibrous rather than hard.