shell
word
/ˈʃɛɫ/
shel
/ʃˈɛl/
shel
Definition
A shell is the hard outer covering of something, such as an egg, a nut, or a sea animal. It can also mean the outside case of an object.
Usage & Nuances
Common with sea animals and eggs: 'seashell', 'egg shell'. For objects, 'outer shell' or 'protective shell' is common. Don't confuse it with 'skin', which is usually softer and living tissue.
Spanish: concha - cáscara - caparazónPortuguese (BR): concha - casca - carapaçaPortuguese (PT): concha - casca - carapaçaChinese (Simplified): 壳 - 贝壳 - 外壳Chinese (Traditional): 殼 - 貝殼 - 外殼Hindi: खोल - सीप - कवचArabic: صدفة - قشرة - غلافBengali: খোল - শাঁস (পাতলা আবরণ)Russian: раковина - скорлупа - оболочкаJapanese: 殻（から）Vietnamese: vỏKorean: 껍데기 - 껍질Turkish: kabukUrdu: چھلکا - خولIndonesian: cangkang - kulit keras
Example Sentences
Under his tough shell, he's actually a very kind person.
natural
The turtle has a hard shell.
basic
I found a beautiful shell on the beach.
basic
Be careful not to break the egg shell.
basic
The phone still works, but the shell is cracked.
natural
Once the nuts are out of the shell, store them in a dry jar.
natural