B1noun1K

Shell

UK /["/ʃel/"]/US /["/ʃel/"]/

Definition

the hard outer part of eggs, nuts, some seeds, and some animals

In simple words: A hard outer covering of some animals, especially sea creatures.

Examples

  • The turtle hid inside its shell to protect itself from predators.
  • We collected several colorful seashells along the beach.
  • I need to remove the shell of this peanut before eating it.
  • The shell of the egg is fragile and can easily break.
  • In computing, a shell is a user interface for access to an operating system's services.
  • He decided to shell the peas before cooking them.

Usage notes

Used to refer to physical shells of animals like snails and turtles or as a protective cover for eggs. Not usually used in formal writing about technology unless specifying a computer shell.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'shell' as similar to 'sell' — an animal sells its body by hiding inside its shell.

Collocations

  • empty
  • hard
  • outer
  • have
  • come out of
  • emerge from
  • unexploded
  • spent
  • anti-aircraft
  • load
  • fire
  • fly
  • fall
  • land
  • fire
  • shock
  • case
  • concrete
  • burned-out
  • empty

Synonyms

  • husk
  • carapace
  • case
  • cover

Antonyms

  • core
  • interior
  • inside

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'shelled' when referring to something that has been removed from the shell.
  • Used inappropriately in contexts where 'case' or 'cover' would be more specific.
  • Mispronounced as 'shelle' instead of 'shell'.