shelly
word
Definition
Having shells on it, in it, or as part of its surface. It is often used to describe beaches, ground, food, or textures that contain many shells or small shell pieces.
Usage & Nuances
This is a relatively uncommon descriptive adjective. It appears most often in nature, geology, food, or texture descriptions, such as 'shelly beach', 'shelly soil', or 'shelly texture'. Do not confuse it with 'shellfish', which refers to a type of seafood, or 'shell-like', which focuses more on shape than on containing shells.
Example Sentences
I don't like this spot for a picnic; the ground is too shelly to sit on.
natural
The ground here is dry and shelly.
basic
The path was white and shelly.
basic
We walked on a shelly beach.
basic
Be careful in that area—the sand gets really shelly near the water.
natural
The oysters gave the soup a slightly shelly taste.
natural